Press & Publications
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Second District Addresses CEQA’s Class 32 Infill Exemption Criteria
In the article “Second District Addresses CEQA’s Class 32 Infill Exemption Criteria,” the court case United Neighborhoods for Los Angeles v. City of Los Angeles (2023) is analyzed. The court voided the city’s reliance on a CEQA exemption for a hotel project that would demolish 40 rent-stabilized units. Key takeaways include the importance of a comprehensive administrative record, avoiding implicit findings, and seeking expert consultation for navigating CEQA regulations.
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Los Angeles Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance
This article discusses the City of Los Angeles’s proposed expansion of adaptive reuse policies. It covers amendments to municipal code sections, aimed at converting vacant commercial spaces into housing and revitalizing Downtown LA. Key points include the ordinance’s goals, incentives, eligibility criteria, historic resource protection, and the permit process.
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Your Los Angeles Region Land Use Digest
LA Land Use Digest covers new legislation, projects, and important issues in LA. Highlights include updates on the Processes and Procedures Ordinance, AB 2011, SB 6, Wildlife Ordinance, DTLA 2040, and the Hollywood Community Plan. The Fairplex redevelopment project and Kevin de León’s “Park Block” initiative are also featured.
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Exploring Life & Business with Matt Kohanbash of Solum Space Law
Matt Kohanbash, founder of Solum Space Law, began his career focusing on real estate and land use before realizing he wanted a more personal connection with clients. He overcame significant struggles and failures, including being held back in school, which gave him a unique perspective on resilience and empathy. Today, he blends technical legal expertise with a client-centered approach, particularly in real estate, land use, and personal injury cases. At Solum Space Law, he emphasizes individualized support, seeing each client as a person first and a case second, driven by a genuine commitment to justice and fairness.
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Housing Legislation Update 2023
This is the Housing Legislation Update. In 2022, California passed numerous housing-related laws to address the housing crisis and development costs. Key areas include regional housing finance, streamlined approvals, adaptive reuse in commercial zones, homeownership and tenant protections, housing and infrastructure, surplus land utilization, and planning and housing element laws. Most laws took effect on January 1, 2023.
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Meet Matt Kohanbash
Matt Kohanbash shares his inspiring journey from his early challenges growing up in a culturally traditional Persian household and overcoming academic obstacles, to becoming a successful lawyer. His story highlights his dedication to law, focusing on personal injury, real estate, and land use law.
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Advised Realty Income in $1.5 billion Sale-leaseback Deal to Acquire 415 Single-tenant Convenience Store Properties
SMRH represented Realty Income, a real estate investment trust that invests in free-standing, single-tenant commercial properties in the United States, Spain and the United Kingdom that are subject to NNN Leases, in its $1.5 billion sale-leaseback transaction to acquire 415 single-tenant convenience store properties located in 13 states along the eastern seaboard.
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Meet The Founder of Solum Space Law
This article spotlights Matt Kohanbash, founder of Solum Space Law, explaining how the firm’s name captures both its real estate/land use and personal injury focus. Matt details his professional background, including his experience in big law and city attorney’s office, and emphasizes his client-centered approach. Influenced by thinkers like Daniel Kahneman and David Goggins, he aims to provide transparent, empathetic legal solutions.
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Your Rights Under the Davis-Stirling Act: Filing Claims Against an HOA
If you live in a California common interest development (CID)—like a condominium or planned unit development—chances are your homeowners’ association (HOA) is governed by the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. This law provides a framework for how HOAs must operate and establishes the rights and remedies homeowners have when disputes arise.
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Protecting Tenants from Rent Price Gouging During California’s Wildfires: A Practical Guide
California’s wildfire season has once again brought widespread displacement and uncertainty. Amid evacuation orders and property damage, many residents are facing another stressor: sudden rent hikes and potential evictions. In this article, we break down how California’s anti–price gouging laws protect tenants from exploitative rent increases during an official state of emergency. We’ll also share practical steps for tenants to safeguard their rights and offer resources for those needing additional help.
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The Implications of the NAR Lawsuit Settlement for Homebuyers
This article explores the $418 million settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and home sellers. It covers key changes such as increased flexibility in negotiating buyer’s agent commissions, potential impacts on home prices, mandatory buyer-agent agreements, and the need for homebuyers to budget for agent commissions. The settlement’s approval process and its implications for the real estate market are also discussed.
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Who is Responsible for Water Main Breaks in Los Angeles? A Look at California Law
The City of Los Angeles may face liability for damages resulting from a water main break at a busy intersection, affecting nearby businesses, vehicles, and causing a car accident. Under California law, liability depends on whether the water main break constituted a dangerous condition and if the city's maintenance was unreasonable, posing a substantial risk of harm. The determination of liability will focus on the reasonableness of the city's actions and the break's role as a substantial cause of the damages.
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Understanding California Security Deposit Laws: Tenant and Landlord Rights
Learn about California’s updated security deposit laws under Assembly Bill 12, effective July 1, 2024. Discover tenant protections, landlord obligations, and how to resolve disputes. Contact Solum Space Law for expert guidance.
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Understanding Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Insurance in California
Learn how Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) insurance can protect you after an accident in California. Discover the importance of coverage, what steps to take, and how a personal injury attorney can help if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. goes here
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Navigating Your Way Through a Slip and Fall Claim: A Beginner's Guide
This guide covers the essential aspects of pursuing a slip and fall claim, from understanding common causes and determining negligence, to gathering evidence, calculating damages, navigating the legal process, and overcoming potential challenges. With practical tips for a successful outcome, it also advises when to seek legal counsel to protect your rights and maximize your compensation after suffering injuries due to someone else's failure to maintain a safe property.
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What to Do If You’re Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Los Angeles
This article provides essential guidance for dealing with Uber or Lyft accidents in Los Angeles. It covers immediate steps to take, the importance of documenting the incident, understanding passenger rights, and when to contact a personal injury lawyer. Additionally, it explains how to navigate insurance claims and potential compensations, highlighting the role of Uber and Lyft in such cases.
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What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in California
Car accidents can happen in a flash, leaving you disoriented and unsure of the next steps. Ensuring your safety, promptly contacting the authorities, collecting evidence, and notifying your insurance company are all vital parts of safeguarding your well-being and legal rights. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer early on can help you avoid critical mistakes and secure the compensation you deserve.
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Protecting Your Rights After an Injury with Los Angeles Attorney
Personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles play a pivotal role in helping individuals who have been harmed in accidents or through negligence. They thoroughly evaluate each case, gather evidence, and negotiate or litigate on their clients’ behalf to secure fair compensation. Attorneys in this field frequently work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that clients can pursue justice without facing prohibitive costs. Overall, their specialized expertise, ongoing legal mastery, and client-focused advocacy make them essential for anyone seeking redress for physical, emotional, or financial harm.