Brownstein Expands Real Estate Capabilities in California with the Addition of Three Shareholders in Los Angeles

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is pleased to announce Albert Valencia, Julie Zaligson and Joshua Loeb, three partners from Ervin Cohen & Jessup, will be joining the firm as shareholders in Brownstein’s Real Estate Department in Los Angeles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Al, Julie and Josh to Brownstein. Their addition underscores our commitment to strategic growth in California and to bringing on top-tier real estate talent as we continue to build out that team nationwide. This trio brings a business-minded approach and sophisticated real estate deal practices that are a great match for not only our Real Estate Department but also Brownstein’s all-in approach for our clients,” said Rich Benenson, Brownstein’s managing partner.

Brownstein continues to add top‑tier talent to its California real estate and land use practices with the addition of Valencia, Zaligson and Loeb, who join recent hires Daniel Brunton, Daniel Freedman and Navid Morè, pairing deal expertise with complex land use, development, CEQA, entitlement and environmental review experience.

“Al, Julie and Josh are recognized leaders in the Los Angeles real estate market. They expand our transactional capabilities in California and supplement our strong California land use practice, reinforcing our commitment to delivering strategic, end-to-end results for developers, investors and lenders across the country,” said Blair Lichtenfels, chair of Brownstein’s Real Estate Department.

Valencia, Zaligson and Loeb are experienced real estate attorneys who collectively advise developers, owners, operators, sponsors, equity investors and lenders across the full spectrum of commercial real estate transactions, with particular focus on acquisitions and dispositions, construction and development matters, joint ventures and syndications, financing and capital markets transactions, as well as loan modifications, workouts and restructurings.

Their practice spans a broad range of asset classes, including multifamily, industrial, retail, office and mixed-use properties, along with emerging and specialty sectors such as industrial outdoor storage, life sciences, build-to-rent communities, adaptive re-use, health care facilities and charter school projects. Known for a pragmatic, business-focused approach, they work closely with clients to align legal strategy with commercial objectives and efficiently drive transactions to closing.

“Joining Brownstein is a tremendous opportunity. The firm’s strong national platform, collaborative culture and business‑focused approach align closely with how we serve clients. I’m excited to join Brownstein with my team and to help continue building the firm’s real estate platform in California,” said Valencia.