Buchalter: Real Estate Practice Shop Talk

Corporate Real Estate – Challenges for Users in 2026

Manuel Fishman — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:56:42 -0800

Join Manny Fishman as he interviews Michael Katz and John Burns of Actio Corporate Asset Services in a discussion on how companies need to analyze their real estate holdings from a strategic and capital allocation perspective, and what forces are at play in 2026 in considering if your company’s real estate assets are what your business needs.

Insurance Claims and Coverages – Getting what you paid for!

Manuel Fishman — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:43:22 -0800

Join Manny Fishman in the second of two podcasts on Insurance for real estate professionals. This podcast focuses on the claims process – what duty does the insurance carrier have at that point and how does the insurance company’s duty to defend differ from the insurance company’s duty to indemnify against an actual loss. We also discuss the scope of an insurance company’s duty to select counsel acceptable to an insured. Finally, we review the services Buchalter’s insurance practices group offers to clients. Manny Fishman is joined by Nick Bates, of Alliant Insurance Services, and Buchalter’s insurance lawyers, Jeanine M. Donohue, in San Francisco, and Cecilia Miller, the co-chair of Buchalter’s insurance practice group, in San Diego. This is a two part series, and this segment, at under 18 minutes, is packed with useful information for risk managers and real estate professionals that put together insurance packages for their companies.

Buchalter Disclaimer: This communication is not intended to create or constitute, nor does it create or constitute, an attorney-client or any other legal relationship. No statement in this communication constitutes legal advice nor should any communication herein be construed, relied upon, or interpreted as legal advice. This communication is for general information purposes only regarding recent legal developments of interest, and is not a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included herein without seeking appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances affecting that listener. For more information, visit www.buchalter.com.

The Changing Insurance Landscape: Guidance for Real Estate Leaders

Manuel Fishman — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:00:34 -0800

Join Manny Fishman in a new Buchalter real estate group podcast on Insurance for real estate professionals. This podcast focuses on the recent volatility in the insurance market and important coverages a business needs to consider. Manny Fishman is joined by Nick Bates, of Alliant Insurance Services, and Buchalter’s insurance lawyers, Jeanine M. Donohue, in San Francisco, and Ceci Miller, the co-chair of Buchalter’s insurance practice group, in San Diego. This is a two part series, and this segment, at under 20 minutes, is packed with useful information for risk managers and real estate professionals that put together insurance packages for their companies.

Breaking Ground: What CEQA Reform Means for California Housing

Manuel Fishman — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:57:24 -0700

On June 30, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a sweeping package of California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and housing-related reforms—calling them “groundbreaking and transformative” for California’s housing landscape. In this episode, host Manny Fishman is joined by Alicia Guerra, Northern California Chair of Buchalter’s Land Use and Entitlement Group, and Jason Brandman, Senior Vice President at FirstCarbon Solutions. Together, they unpack what these reforms mean for developers, property owners, and cities—especially those pursuing multifamily housing in California’s urban centers.

Whether you're navigating a project currently under review or planning a future development, this discussion offers early insights and practical guidance.

Read Alicia Guerra’s in-depth client alert here:

Effective Immediately: California Adopts Consequential Reforms to CEQA and Other Laws to Speed Housing Production

Revitalizing Union Square: Inside San Francisco’s Largest Community Benefit District

Manuel Fishman — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:51:48 -0700

In this episode, Manny Fishman, Northern California Chair of the Real Estate Group at Buchalter, sits down with Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance—San Francisco’s largest Community Benefit District (CBD). With 27 city blocks and $21 billion in assessed value, Union Square plays a vital role in the city’s economic and cultural landscape. Marissa shares how her legal background and strong leadership helped steer the district through post-pandemic recovery, her advocacy work before city officials, and what’s next for this iconic neighborhood. Whether you’re a property owner, policymaker, or real estate professional, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Real Estate Gets a Big Break from the Corporate Transparency Act: What the New CTA Rule Change Means for You

Manuel Fishman — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:42:50 -0700

In this episode, Manny Fishman, Northern California Chair of the Real Estate Group at Buchalter, sits down with Lionel Bochurberg, a corporate partner in the firm’s San Diego office, and firm’s authority on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). They unpack the March 26, 2025 interim final rule that dramatically alters CTA compliance requirements—particularly the elimination of the need for many real estate start-ups and entities to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report. Tune in to learn what this change means for your business.

What Businesses Need to Know When Law Enforcement Arrives to Conduct a Raid

Manuel Fishman — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 07:55:02 -0800

Is your business prepared for increased immigration enforcement? The Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies have created a complex environment for businesses. Join host Manny Fishman and Buchalter law experts Daniel Silva and Kripa Upadhyay as they break down the current landscape and offer practical advice. Learn your rights, including the rights of Building staff, develop a preparedness plan, and protect your business and employees in this crucial podcast episode. This podcast is a companion to Buchalter’s Immigration Task Force Client Alerts on immigration enforcement actions.

Buchalter Disclaimer: This communication is not intended to create or constitute, nor does it create or constitute, an attorney-client or any other legal relationship. No statement in this communication constitutes legal advice nor should any communication herein be construed, relied upon, or interpreted as legal advice. This communication is for general information purposes only regarding recent legal developments of interest, and is not a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included herein without seeking appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances affecting that listener. For more information, visit www.buchalter.com.

The Trouble With Garbage: Waste Management Compliance Essentials for California's Commercial Real Estate Owners and Managers

Manuel Fishman — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:35:39 -0700

Join our host, Manny Fishman and our guests Peter McGaw and John Epperson, distinguished environmental legal experts from Buchalter as they explore the impact on commercial real estate of two hazardous waste disposal laws: the California Hazardous Waste Control Act and the California Medical Waste Management Act. In this podcast we unpack the complexities of these laws and discuss their direct implications for office buildings, shopping centers and industrial properties across the state.

From understanding legal requirements to implementing best practices, this podcast equips you with valuable insights into mitigating risks and preventing citations for violations. Tune in as we delve into the intersection of environmental law and commercial real estate.

Disclaimer: This communication is not intended to create or constitute, nor does it create or constitute, an attorney-client or any other legal relationship. No statement in this communication constitutes legal advice nor should any communication herein be construed, relied upon, or interpreted as legal advice. This communication is for general information purposes only regarding recent legal developments of interest, and is not a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included herein without seeking appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances affecting that listener. For more information, visit www.buchalter.com.

San Francisco Bay Area Capital Market Update - The Thesis for Buying in 2024

Manuel Fishman — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:39:17 -0800

Join Manny Fishman as he interviews JLL Senior Director, Erik Hanson to discuss the changing environment for investors purchasing real estate in 2024 and 2025, including the debt markets, longer term hold periods and the impact of large near term debt maturities on transactions.

Powering Progress: Navigating the Shift to Energy Efficient Buildings

Manuel Fishman — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:47:33 -0800

Join us for Buchalter’s third annual installment of our dynamic energy podcast, hosted by Buchalter real estate chair for Northern California, Manny Fishman. Manny is joined by Jon Kendrick, an energy and real estate lawyer at Buchalter, and Gridium CEO, Tom Arnold.

The podcast focuses on the latest developments shaping the energy landscape, with discussions spotlighting the recent Federal appeals court decision overturning a natural gas ban in new real estate developments adopted by the City of Berkeley. We also explore the impact of announced increases in PG&E rates and offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the evolving energy market. Our discussion concludes with a focus on strategies to integrate energy efficiency into commercial building operations.

This communication is not intended to create or constitute, nor does it create or constitute, an attorney-client or any other legal relationship. No statement in this communication constitutes legal advice nor should any communication herein be construed, relied upon, or interpreted as legal advice. This communication is for general information purposes only regarding recent legal developments of interest, and is not a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included herein without seeking appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances affecting that reader. For more information, visit www.buchalter.com.

Trends in Electrification and NetZero Carbon Emissions from Commercial Properties: 2023 Update

Manuel Fishman — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:44:21 -0800

Manny Fishman, Northern California Chair of the Buchalter law firm Real Estate Practice Group discusses recent legislative developments, regulatory trends and the ability of California’s electric grid to meet the demands for electric power with industry experts Tom Arnold, of Gridium, a San Francisco based energy software and consulting firm, and Jon Kendrick, an energy and real estate lawyer at Buchalter, in the first of two podcasts on this topic.

The State of Cyberwarfare and Its Impact on Commercial Real Estate

Manuel Fishman — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 16:52:45 -0800

Join Manny Fishman, the head of Buchalter’ s Northern California real estate group as he speaks with Chris Tallerico, of Ross and Baruzzini, about the recent increase in cyber-attacks on U.S. infrastructure including commercial real estate companies and what every asset and property manager should do now to make sure their real estate portfolio is not subject to easy penetration and malware attack. A timely discussion on taking proactive steps in light of the current political environment and the use of cyberattacks as an offensive component of warfare. Chris Tallerico can be reached at chris.tallerico@rossbar.com.

Understanding What Decarbonization Means for Commercial Real Estate

Manuel Fishman — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:52:03 -0800

Energy usage in commercial buildings, as well as the push toward decarbonization and away from reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas, will be a major focus in 2022 and the years ahead in commercial real estate. Local municipalities and State agencies are now enacting legislation in this area that will significantly impact the operation of commercial buildings. Owners and property managers need to be actively involved in how to implement new regulations and how the costs associated therewith can be addressed in leases ad capital plan budgets.

Join our host Manuel Fishman, along with Tom Arnold, Co-Founder and CEO of Gridium, and Buchalter's energy expert Jonathan Kendrick, as they discuss the significant challenges and risks that owners, developers, and property managers of large commercial buildings face, and what steps they should be taking now to de-emphasize reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas in existing buildings.

Lessons Learned in Property Management and What's To Come Next

Manuel Fishman — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:11:16 -0700

Join Manuel Fishman, a Buchalter shareholder and host of Buchalter's Real Estate podcast channel, as he discusses the changing role of property management in the operation of office buildings, with special guest, Michael Cashion, CBRE senior property manager in San Francisco. With close to 40 years’ experience, Mike’s views on the changes in property management and building operations offers a unique opportunity to cover “lessons learned” and “post-COVID trends”.

Mind the Gap: No Rent Relief for The Gap in New York

Manuel Fishman — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:14:34 -0700

In one of the latest and most high-profile decisions from across the country relating to commercial tenants’ rent obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York rejected an attempt by The Gap, Inc. (“Gap”) to avoid paying rent and to terminate its lease based on a variety of legal theories and arising out of the governmental restrictions enacted in response to the pandemic.

Join attorneys Manuel Fishman, Michael Myers, and Jonathan August as they discuss this decision and provide valuable lessons for commercial landlords and tenants as these types of disputes continue to play out in the courts.

What Building Owners, Managers and Tenants Need to Know about the Rollout of 5G Voice and Data Services – a Discussion with Chris Tallerico of McMillan Electric

Manuel Fishman — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 14:28:58 -0800

The rollout of new licensed frequencies for the transmission of voice and data – known as 5G, presents opportunity and challenges for commercial properties because of the transmission characteristics of the new spectrum. Building owners and managers need to consider the need for new distribution methods and cabling, including a wireless distribution antenna system (DAS) to carry the signals within their buildings. The capital expense and allocation of costs of needed upgrades needs to be considered. Listen to Buchalter Partner Manny Fishman as he discusses these issues and the impact of cybersecurity on riser management with the Chief Technology Officer for McMillan Electric.

New Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program – Opportunities for Commercial Real Estate Landlords, Tenants and Lenders

Manuel Fishman and Michael Flynn — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:22:41 -0800

The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (Act), signed by the President on December 27, 2020, and subsequent guidance from Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration, have modified the Paycheck Protection Program in two significant ways. First, the Act created a new Second Draw Loan category, enabling eligible businesses that had previously gotten a PPP loan to apply for a supplemental PPP loan in amounts that could be as high as $2 million. Second, the Act and the new guidance clarified that certain eligible borrowers who have not previously obtained a PPP loan may seek to obtain such a loan before March 31, 2021. Join Manuel Fishman and Michael Flynn as they discuss the modified requirements for eligibility and forgiveness of these loans, with a focus on their applicability to and usefulness for landlords, tenants and owners, property managers and other stakeholders in the commercial real estate area.

A Comparison of California Eviction Moratoriums and Overview of Nationwide Landlord-Tenant COVID Litigation

Manuel Fishman — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 09:03:46 -0800

As the calendar changes to 2021, major California municipalities have taken decisive action in an attempt to ensure that commercial tenants continue to receive eviction protection and rent relief in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These new policies extend or expand upon previous relief orders enacted by major California cities. San Francisco recently updated its eviction moratorium ordinance with some new protections for landlord and tenants, including a lease termination right for small businesses in San Francisco.

Additionally, after nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the first decisions with respect to landlord-tenant disputes are now being handed down. These decisions, while immediately limited to the parties involved in each matter, are likely to be viewed by other courts nationwide as important precedents in how to adjudicate landlord-tenant litigation matters which may arise in the future.

Listen as Manny Fishman, Shareholder and Real Estate Practice Chair in Buchalter’s San Francisco office, and Real Estate Associate Jonathan August discuss the recently-passed San Francisco commercial eviction moratorium, provide a comparison to the Los Angeles commercial eviction moratorium ordinances, and provide a summary of the current state of landlord-tenant litigation.

Retail & Restaurant Bankruptcies Due to COVID-19

Manuel Fishman and Valerie Bantner Peo — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 10:43:01 -0800

In this episode of the Real Estate Shop Talk Podcast, Insolvency and Financial Law Senior Counsel, Valerie Bantner Peo and Real Estate Partner, Manuel Fishman discuss the impact of the global pandemic on retail and restaurant businesses and what to expect in the future.

COVID-19: A Look at Business Interruption and Commercial General Liability Policies

Manuel Fishman — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:10:13 -0800

As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed over the past several months, many building owners, property managers and their tenants have seen their businesses adversely impacted (through lost rent, business interruption or exposure to third party claims), and are evaluating whether they are entitled to coverage under their commercial general liability and property policies, and what steps they should consider going forward for insurance coverages.

Join Manuel Fishman and Bradley Hoff as they take a comprehensive look at and discuss the types of coverages and exclusions policy holders are likely to encounter and how these are likely to come into play in COVID-19 related claims.

California Re-Opening Guidance and Protocols for Commercial Office Buildings

Manuel Fishman and John Epperson — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:23:08 -0700

As the commercial real estate sector continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Buchalter attorneys are actively working to provide our clients with information and guidance on re-opening protocols, including how to implement State and local public health guidelines and orders. Join Manuel Fishman and John Epperson on this podcast as they discuss California and San Francisco directives on re-opening office buildings and tenant businesses within office buildings, as well as best practices and precautions that landlords of commercial office buildings should consider as tenants return to the office.

Closing Real Estate Transactions During COVID-19

Manuel Fishman — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:21:05 -0700

COVID-19 is materially impacting the process of negotiating purchase and sale agreements and closing transactions. Buyers and Sellers need to pay special attention to the logistical disruptions likely to affect the timely satisfaction of closing requirements. Planning for delays and extensions of time to satisfy certain contract contingencies must also be considered. Listen to Buchalter Real Estate attorneys, Manuel Fishman, Lotus Fung, and Jonathan August as they address issues relating to due diligence, tenant estoppels, obtaining permits and land use approvals, notarization and closing mechanics and offer strategies for successfully completing transactions in the current environment.

For Questions Contact:
Manuel Fishman: 415.227.3504 or MFishman@buchalter.com
Jonathan August: 415.227.3558 or JAugust@buchalter.com
Lotus Fung: 415.227.3507 or LFung@buchalter.com

Passing Through Commercial Lease Operating Expenses During COVID-19 and the State of Evictions in California

Manuel Fishman and Jonathan August — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:03:32 -0700

For Questions Contact:

Manuel Fishman: 415.227.3504 or MFishman@buchalter.com

Jonathan August: 415.227.3558 or JAugust@buchalter.com

Operating expenses are costs incurred by a landlord for the operation, management, maintenance, and repair of commercial properties. Many landlords have incurred, or are anticipating incurring, substantial costs in implementing operational and physical upgrades at their buildings in order to comply with governmental requirements for public health and safety due to COVID-19.

Additionally, the recent removal of the absolute bar on evictions in California designed to help tenants during the initial months of COVID-19 provides a unique challenge to landlords seeking to enforce their remedies.

Listen as Manuel Fishman, Shareholder and Real Estate Practice Chair in Buchalter’s San Francisco office and Buchalter Associate, Jonathan August discuss which increased operating costs may be passed through to tenants, how to pass costs through without incurring liability, and what pitfalls landlords should be aware of when seeking a new eviction action.