Spencer leads land use entitlement and real estate transactions for the nation’s key real estate and business players. As a former assistant city attorney handling land use matters, Spencer leverages his deep understanding of the process and long-standing relationships at the city, county, state, and federal levels, to resolve issues quickly and close transactions smoothly.
Clients appreciate Spencer’s ability to create consensus among the variety of players often involved in land use entitlements and real estate deals. Additionally, clients rely on Spencer for his streamlined processes that save clients time and money.
Right-Sized Resources
A primary focus of Spencer’s practice is project and team strategy, utilizing every possible tool to get the right results. One of those tools is Spencer’s cultivated and curated contact list of architects, traffic engineers, environmental consultants, and other specialists. Because facetime is essential when dealing with council members, neighborhood stakeholders, city planners, and others, seamless access to these relationships can make a significant difference to his clients’ projects. Depending on the development type and involved parties—what community and which council district—Spencer can quickly assemble the right mix of personnel, experience, and expertise. He knows whom to put forward for each job, creating distinct efficiencies and turning out better results.
Additionally, Spencer takes a hands-on approach in managing the legal side of land use entitlements, typically pairing his own experience and skill with just one qualified Allen Matkins associate. So, when clients call, they get Spencer’s advice as opposed to being passed up or down a chain of attorneys. Clients receive the right-sized resources to complete even their most complex entitlement needs.
All Development Types
Spencer has an exceptional amount of practical experience in the full range of entitlements for urban infill, mixed-use, transit, affordable and senior housing, signage, hotels, multi-family residences, shopping and dining districts, and more. No matter what the product type, Spencer has entitled it.
Throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, including West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, and beyond, Spencer represents developers, investors, management companies, and institutions, such as hospitals, schools, museums, and related entities, in land use entitlements. High net worth individuals and family offices investing in real estate also engage him for land use guidance.
Responsive Service
With construction costs accelerating, community challenges more prevalent, and labor unions more aggressive in their stance, being able to save clients time and money by effectively managing their projects from beginning to end creates enormous value. He knows that big decisions can rise quickly and unexpectedly in land use entitlement matters. Whether addressing entity formation or resolving an environmental question, at Allen Matkins, Spencer’s clients have access to real estate legal talent from across all spectrums.
EDUCATION
J.D., Loyola Law School
B.S.J., Northwestern University
BAR ADMISSIONS
California