Bringing over 16 years of complex commercial real estate, land use, and CEQA experience to developers, property owners, and businesses across Northern California.
Berkeley Real Estate & Land Use Attorney
Strategic Counsel for Developers, Landlords, & Property Owners in Alameda County & the Greater Bay Area
Property decisions rarely stay confined to a single contract or permit application. A zoning issue can delay a development, a title problem can hold up a sale, and a dispute with a tenant, neighbor, or government agency can tie up money and attention you would rather devote to your business. When your livelihood is on the line, you need a clear and strategic path forward.
At Law Office of Phillip H. Babich, we have over a decade of experience representing developers, investors, and property owners in the Bay Area. Whether you’re finalizing a commercial lease or fighting for a conditional use permit, we deliver practical counsel to protect your financial interests. As a solo practice focused exclusively on real estate and land use, we devote our full attention to the issues affecting your project or investment.
Don't let administrative delays or property conflicts threaten your bottom line in Berkeley. Contact us online to discuss your case with our experienced lawyer.
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Land Use
Entitlements & Project Approvals
- Zoning analysis and permitted use determinations
- Conditional use permits, variances, and rezonings
- General plan and specific plan amendments
- Subdivision maps (tentative and final)
- Development agreements
- Representation and advocacy at public hearings
CEQA Compliance
- CEQA strategy and risk assessment
- CEQA documentation oversight
- CEQA litigation
Real Estate Development Strategy
- Density bonus and affordable housing compliance
- Inclusionary zoning and housing element strategy
- Coastal development permitting
- Agency coordination at the local and state level
Land Use Litigation
- Administrative appeals
- Writs of mandate
- Civil litigation
- Permit and entitlement disputes
- Suits over CC&Rs
Property Rights, Easements & Title
- Easement drafting and negotiation
- Boundary and access disputes
- Title and land use due diligence
- Utility and access agreements
Due Diligence & Acquisition Support
- Land use feasibility analysis
- Zoning and entitlement review
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Real Estate
Purchase & Sale Transactions for Commercial and Residential Properties
- Draft and negotiate purchase agreements
- Review disclosures, due diligence
- Advise on contingencies and closing
Leasing for Commercial and Residential Properties
- Draft and Negotiate lease agreements
- Draft and Negotiate TI agreements
- Lease enforcement
Real Estate Litigation
- Breach of contract claims
- Failure to disclose property defects
- Quiet title and partition actions
- Boundary, easement, and neighbor disputes
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Title & Escrow Matters
- Reviewing title reports and insurance policies
- Clearing liens and encumbrances
- Resolving escrow disputes
- Coordinating with title and escrow professionals
Property Rights & Disputes
- Easements and access rights
- Trespass and nuisance claims
- Adverse possession and prescriptive easements
- Boundary and neighbor disputes
Due Diligence & Risk Assessment
- Review title, leases, and boundaries
- Identify risks
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Based in the East Bay, Phillip represents commercial clients, property owners, and developers throughout Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Additionally, Phillip leverages extensive experience with Southern California municipalities to handle complex land use entitlements, CEQA challenges, and development matters in the City of Los Angeles and across California.
Big-Law Experience. Solo-Practice Attention.
Managing a high-stakes property acquisition or zoning appeal is stressful enough without dealing with rotating teams of junior associates, bloated overhead costs, and delayed communication when you need answers most.
Our practice is designed to eliminate that friction by pairing the sophisticated oversight of a major firm with the agility and responsiveness of a boutique office. When you contact our team, you work directly with the lawyer handling your case.
This streamlined approach allows us to pivot quickly when negotiations shift or city councils demand new information, preventing your legal strategy from getting lost in the shuffle while keeping counsel focused on your project, property, and bottom line.
Keep your development on schedule with proactive counsel from Law Office of Phillip H. Babich. Call (510) 598-3840 to schedule a free consultation.
Big Law Rigor, Boutique Access
Why Clients Choose The Law Office of Phillip H. Babich
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Complimentary Initial Case EvaluationLet’s discuss your project scope, confirm fit and availability, and outline the best path forward. Contact us today to schedule a brief phone screen.
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Big Law Results Without the Overhead
You get the legal precision honed over a decade at a global law firm, delivered with the agility, efficiency, and personal attention of a dedicated boutique practice.
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Creative Problem Solving
Whether navigating strict CEQA requirements, negotiating complex commercial leases, or resolving municipal disputes, the focus is always on finding clear paths forward.
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Relentless Client AdvocacyBuilt on listening carefully, respecting your time, and remaining fully accessible from initial due diligence through complex litigation.