Jerry Joseph Ruiz

Jerry has a broad and varied practice helping his clients manage their real estate needs. From commercial leasing agreements to purchases and sales to property management arrangements, he has led hundreds of transactions on behalf of his financial institution and corporate clients, first as an in-house lawyer at one of the world’s largest retail banks, and in his practice now. To each matter he brings an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the risks for his clients, the legal requirements of the deal, and the business solutions that will allow his clients to best protect their interests and meet their business objectives.

In addition to his real estate practice, Jerry is active in community and economic development initiatives across southern California. Prior to joining the Firm, he spent several years leading the Los Angeles-based Community Development team at a global financial institution, and is as such well-positioned to help large banks manage their qualifying investments under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), to assist Community Development Financial Institutions with loans to entities creating jobs with businesses in low and moderate income areas, and to work with private foundations and other groups to make mission-driven investments and loans.

Jerry is active in community and civic organizations. He is the co-founder of the Academy of Special Dreams Foundation, a non-profit arts organization designed to increase public awareness, appreciation, and recognition of the creative talents of people with disabilities.

Legal Work Highlights

Assisting a major defense contractor in negotiating and documenting the first-ever ground lease to develop a 10-acre parcel of land located on an active United States Air Force base. Jerry crafted an agreement that satisfied each of the four separate actors involved in the deal – one of which was the US Government – while ensuring that his client achieved their objectives and got the deal done.

Working with the same defense contractor to revive what would turn out to be a 10-year, $110 million lease involving approximately 225,000 square feet for space in a Southern California office park. The deal, which included the extension of an existing lease of space within the same office park, allowed his client to consolidate several of the company’s business groups into a campus-like setting.

Representing one of the largest private foundations in Los Angeles dedicated to expanding access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities and to promoting fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians through investments designed to provide smart health care solutions across the state.

Helping a major Community Development Financial Institution with the documentation for $30 million of in-bound loan capital to fund its small business lending programs.