Land Use and Zoning Law Real Estate Law
Amy R. Forbes
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2009 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
For more information, please visit www.gibsondunn.com/lawyer/forbes-amy-r/.
Overview
- University of Southern California, J.D., graduated 1984
- Princeton University, BS
- California, United States
- California, United States
- University of Southern California, J.D., graduated 1984
- Princeton University, BS
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Land Use and Zoning Law, Los Angeles (2024)
- Real Estate Law, Los Angeles (2022)
- Land Use and Zoning Law, Los Angeles (2012)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Real Estate Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Special Focus:
- Commercial
- Condemnation
- Development
- Eminent Domain
- Historic Tax Credits
- Land Use
- Planned Real Estate
- Real Property Law
- Residential
- Subdivision
- Tax Certiorari
- Zoning
News & Media
Additional Information
- Part 2
- Lead real estate and land use counsel, MidAmerican Energy Holdings (a holding company controlled by Berkshire Hathaway), in the acquisition and subsequent financing of the $2 billion Topaz Solar Farm project from First Solar. The Topaz transaction involved an excess of 20,000 acres and was one of the largest energy deals in 2011. Subsequently, represented MidAmerican as sponsor, and Topaz Solar Farms, as issuer, in the $1.195 billion financing by Topaz Solar Farms that was recognized as the 2012 North American Solar Deal of the Year and the largest renewables bond financing ever. Currently serving as counsel for the implementation and development of the solar installation, as well as counsel on assorted wind and other renewable energy transactions.
- Representing CIM in numerous land use projects throughout West Hollywood and Los Angeles, including successful modification in 2013 of project entitlements for Millennium Project at Sunset/La Cienega in West Hollywood to permit design changes and development of additional retail square footage.
- Land use counsel to El Toro/Heritage Fields, the venture undertaking the redevelopment of the El Toro air base in Irvine, California. The centerpiece of the development is the so-called “Great Park,” a more than 1,000-acre municipal park, to be funded in part by development of approximately 5,000 residential units planned for private development.
- Part 3
- Currently representing Madison Square Garden in their acquisition and renovation of the Forum in Inglewood, including the successful conclusion of negotiations for an $18 million subsidy from the City of Inglewood, and permitting in connection with its more than $50 million renovation as a premier concert venue. Also negotiated long-term lease rights for overflow parking on underutilized City property adjacent to the Forum.
- Pro bono counsel to Grand Hope Park, which ground leases and operates a 2.5-acre park in Downtown Los Angeles, and assisting the non-profit’s efforts to assert claims arising from the elimination of redevelopment agencies in California.
- Lead counsel representing Hollywood Park Land Company in successful process to secure unanimous approval of redevelopment of the 238-acre Hollywood Park Racetrack with a new mixed-used community. The multibillion-dollar project, located in the City of Inglewood, is composed of approximately 3,000 housing units, 620,000 square feet of retail, a hotel, a card room, a 4-acre school or civic site, and 25 acres of public parks and open space, all centered around a lake and waterfall. The redevelopment implements cutting-edge sustainable design strategies that emphasize conservation, efficiency and the use of quality, durable products. Project approvals were obtained in July 2009. Currently working on completion of infrastructure utilizing innovation EB-5 financing, for commencement of construction in 2014.
- Part 4
- Lead counsel representing Bay Meadows Land Company in the ongoing development of Bay Meadows, a major mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the Bay Area. The large master planned community has major sustainability features, including bioswales and parks that double as storm water retention and filtering. Bay Meadows has a unique “transit-oriented development” trip budget that imposes strict limits on the amount of traffic that the project can generate, and mandates design and operational measures to reach ambitious goals for non-automobile transportation in and out of the site.
- Representative Matters
- Representing Fifteen Group, LLC in its redevelopment of Wyvernwood Garden Apartments in Los Angeles, one of the largest privately owned housing complexes west of Chicago. The existing housing complex consists of 1,187 multi-family units, on 68 acres. As part of a community-based planning process, the entire site is being replanned and zoned. Future development plans are anticipated to involve a $2 billion redevelopment of the site, with 4,400 units of housing and 300,000 square feet of mixed commercial/retail uses, and more than 10 acres of improved public open space and parks. The approval process is ongoing, and hearings on project approvals are expected to begin in third quarter 2013.
- Represent Freeport-McMoRan Oil and Gas (FMOG)in their ongoing land use matters at the Inglewood oilfield. Currently working through issues raised by proposed Culver City ordinance to ban Hydraulic Fracturing at the field.
Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.
Please use the print button to print this profile page.