Bruce M. Lorman
Bruce M. Lorman Attorney at Law
1717 Fourth Street
3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Map
Phone: (310) 451-0049 | Fax: (310) 393-8180
http://www.lormanlaw.com/
Experienced Representation For All Types of Real Estate
Legal Topic
Real Estate Law
Preferred New Clients
We specialize in advising both individuals and businesses with respect to real estate, employment and other business disputes. Our goal is to provide the best possible counsel for all our clients. We have represented developers, contractors, architects, property purchasers or sellers, homeowners, title insurers, borrowers and others involved in real estate matters.
Sub-Topics
Broker & Transaction Litigation
Buying Property
Construction Defects
Homeowners' Associations
Insurance
Mechanics' Liens
Mortgages
Title Insurance
Title Litigation
Bar Admissions
CA, Nov 1978
Bar Number: 82364
Other Court Admissions
All California State Courts; Federal Courts-Central and Northern District; Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association; Los Angeles Bar Association
Continuing Education
I regularly attend courses sponsored by various organizations, including real estate litigation continuing education by the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Bar Associations. I am a member and attend events sponsored by the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL) and attend functions of the International Council of Shopping Centers. I have also given continuing education presentations to in house attorneys at title companies and to property managers.
Example Cases
Each case is significant to the parties involved, no matter how much money is at stake, but the most noteworthy cases have been: a jury trial verdict of $3.6 million for our plaintiff client in Polarized Lighting v. Pierlight Pty. Ltd., for breach of contract; a defense jury verdict for our real estate developer client in Amreal Capital Realty v. Victor Lands, who had been sued for millions of dollars in damages for alleged fraud; a multi-million dollar settlement for our client in a wrongful foreclosure suit, Kline et. al v. Redevelopment Agency of the City of Pomona; and a multi-million dollar settlement for our client in an easement dispute in Sunset Palisades v. Self-Realization Fellowship Church. More typical cases in real property disputes involve the purchase and sale of real property, boundary line disputes or easement issues.
Education
Hastings College of Law
J.D.
San Francisco
CA
1978
Order of the Coif; Thurston Society, Scholastic Honor Organization
I am a member and Associate Research Editor of the Hastings Law Journal. I participated on the Hastings Law Journal and in a Trial Practice Seminar, putting on a mock trial.
University of California at Los Angeles
A.B.
Los Angeles
CA
1975
Dean's Honor List; Omicron Delta Epsilon, Economic Honor Society
I obtained degree in Economics, Cum Laude. During college, I participated in Student Government at UCLA, worked in the UCLA student store and interned in Washington D.C. for the Aviation Consumer Action Project during the summer after graduation.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Our firm was created in 1995 to provide clients with outstanding and personalized service and excellent results without the high costs, overstaffing or overhead associated with larger firms. This means clients get specialized expertise to help them attain their goals cost-effectively and creatively.
Previous Employment Summary
Before establishing my own firm, I was a partner at the Santa Monica real estate firm of Gilchrist & Rutter and began my career at the Beverly Hills real estate firm of Fulop, Rolston, Burns & McKittrick.
Activities and Awards
I periodically act as a Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court and as an arbitrator with the Attorney Client Fee Dispute program of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage and will assist my clients in learning about the legal issues if they have the desire to do so. We constantly communicate significant developments in a client's matter so they will be fully informed with respect to important decisions. The more knowledge a client has about the entire legal process, the more satisfied they will be with the resolution of their matter.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
This depends on the nature of the matter and the document in question.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We do not encourage clients to represent themselves in legal matters.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to use my passion and respect for the law and our legal system, together with my interest in public speaking and legal argument, to help people reach effective solutions to their legal problems.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have worked with excellent lawyers during my career and remain current by substantial reading and attending continuing education courses.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have always been interested in real estate and the role it plays in business, in people's lives and in our community.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the satisfaction of meeting and learning about clients and helping them resolve their problems in a cost effective way.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a small excellent staff consisting of my office manager/bookkeeper that has been with my firm since it was formed, plus a legal assistant and a file clerk. From time to time, I will also work with co-counsel or other attorneys on a project basis.
What are your strengths and style?
I have handled all types of real estate disputes and can explain to clients what they can expect, realistically assess their matters and formulate a plan to resolve them with the client's active input and participation.
Even though many sources estimate that 95% of all lawsuits that are filed are eventually settled, we prepare our cases for trial. We have a hands-on approach to each matter. We strive to achieve the best possible results in the most efficient manner after consulting with our clients on the costs versus benefits of litigation. Generally, in order to resolve each matter on the most favorable basis possible, we prepare each matter with the expectation that it will be among the 5% of cases that actually go to trial. Such preparation invariably leads to successful settlements.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, sports, reading, and being involved with horses.
Office Manager/Assistant
Maggie Flack and Kim Mark
Fax
(310) 393-8180
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency after hours by appointment
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
The majority or our matters are handled on an hourly fee basis. However, we are willing to enter into non-traditional billing arrangements, where warranted, including contingency fees, reduced hourly with a contingency bonus or other mutually acceptable arrangements.
Hourly Rates
The hourly rate is $295.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, we will provide a free 1/2 hour initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Retainer depends on the type and complexity of the matter.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes
