2025 Real Estate Law and Business Forum

Real Estate attorneys Susan Booth and Ryan Leaderman will participate in USC Gould School of Law's 2025 Real Estate Law and Business Forum. This annual conference represents a premier event for real estate professionals in Southern California, convening practitioners from across the United States to explore current trends and discuss future needs.

Ms. Booth, who serves as co-chair of the forum, will give opening remarks and moderate a panel examining how deals are being made, from what the underwriting process currently looks like to what differences are being observed between asset classes. Speakers will also reflect on the state of debt capital markets, new strategies being employed to capitalize on market dynamics and alternative investment vehicles being pursued by companies.

Ms. Leaderman will moderate a discussion diving into how the state of California is tightening control over local government land use and development decisions. As the housing crisis has deepened and environmental concerns have heightened, the state government has made changes to land use regulations and added constraints on local authority. Speakers will touch on areas and laws including the Housing Accountability Act, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Density Bonus Law, accessory dwelling units, and warehouse and distribution facilities.

Session Times and Topics

Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:00 – 9:10 a.m.
Speaker: Susan Booth

Local Control vs. State Control: Evolution and the Future of Land Use in Our State
11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
Moderator: Ryan Leaderman

Deal-Making in a Volatile Environment: Investment Strategy & Competitive Fundraising
3:35 – 4:35 p.m.
Moderator: Susan Booth