Broker Defense - Real Estate
Jones Bell enjoys a distinguished reputation for representing clients in connection with virtually all aspects of California real estate law. We have a long track record of success in representing owners, tenants, buyers, sellers, developers, investors and property managers in litigation. We regularly defend brokers and licensees against the myriad of claims that arise in the real estate industry - from commission and transaction disputes to the defense of all types of professional liability claims.
Jones Bell also advises institutional and individual clients interested in selling, buying, leasing and securitizing real property. We have the experience necessary to identify and resolve potential problems early, and then to negotiate, document and close transactions in a cost effective manner. We provide experienced counsel on trade secret protection, compensation programs, recruiting and retention of salespersons and other operational matters affecting real estate professionals and their affiliates.
Professional Liability
Agent and broker negligence and other E&O type claims are on the rise as plaintiffs' attorneys now routinely expand their sights beyond principals. We provide experienced counsel to aggressively defend real estate professionals in civil litigation, including claims involving allegations of:
- Professional Negligence
- Misrepresentation
- Failures to Disclose
- California's Unfair Competition Law (B&P Code §17200)
- Interference with Employee Relations
Recruiting and Retention of Salespersons
Competition for key sales personnel is fierce. Jones Bell can assist your firm in developing programs and incentives to recruit and retain salespersons, staff and to help avoid claims of unfair competition, including:
- "Pre-hire" counseling for new recruits
- Advice and counsel to recruiters
- Employment Agreements
- Independent Contractor Agreements
- Enforcement and Defense of Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Agreements
- Commission Plans
- Equity and Non-Equity Incentive Compensation Agreement
- Stock Awards
- ESOPs