Geoffrey C. Etnire
The federal, state, and local regulatory overlay on real estate is substantial and growing every year. Geoff regularly performance regulatory due diligence for lenders, investors, and developers.
Clients retain Geoff for projects and disputes because of his ability to get to the finish line while eliminating or minimizing future complications, disputes, and litigation.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Representation of major newspaper companies during the last eight years in the disposition of assets and portfolios in 30 states
- Repositioning and disposition of real estate over a 25-year period for a publicly traded international mining and building materials company
- Negotiations on behalf of a publicly traded company with regard to the development of an NFL stadium on the client's long-term leasehold
- Negotiation and implementation of conservation easements and other preservation measures, including the formation of land trusts
- Structured an agreement among six developers to share the infrastructure development for 300 houses on 700 acres
- Acquisition, development, management, and disposition of properties and portfolios on behalf of major real estate funds, including the resolution of brownfield issues and conflicts with neighboring land uses
- Performance of due diligence for major acquisitions and loans
- Acquisition of government approvals, including General Plan amendments, CEQA Certifications, and Development Agreements for projects throughout California, including the South Livermore Valley Area Plan and the Vineyard Avenue Corridor Plan
- Expediting of applications for development within the California Coastal Zone and defense of Coastal Commission enforcement actions
Insights
Credentials
Education
- J.D. Stanford Law School 1973
- B.S. summa cum laude University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School 1970
- The London School of Economics and Political Science 1969
Bar Admissions
- California
- Virginia
- District of Columbia
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2007 – 2025
- Super Lawyers, Northern California
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Community
Personal Activities
Geoff served on the boards of directors of four publicly traded real estate investment trusts. He also served as chairman of the board of the Bank of Pleasanton and on the executive committee of the board of directors of Mission Valley Bancorp, prior to its purchase by U.S. Bank. In addition, Geoff has served on the boards of directors of many nonprofit organizations and played an active role in chambers of commerce.