Attorneys

Sonia A. Lister is a real estate lawyer whose practice is dedicated to the financing, acquisition, disposition, development, construction and leasing of real property.  Ms. Lister started her legal career at Morrison & Foerster LLP where she represented  companies in a wide range of real estate transactions for over 13 years. Ms. Lister has over 18 years experience representing banks and other financial institutions in structuring, negotiating and documenting a broad variety of lending transactions, including conventional commercial mortgage loans, development and construction loans, bridge loans, permanent loans and mezzanine loans, as well as participations or assignments of such loans.   Ms. Lister also has particular experience with distressed real estate assets and loans, including the acquisition or sale of REO properties and loan portfolios and restructuring of debt or equity. She counsels clients in large-scale acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, ground and occupancy leases, and project financing.  She regularly represents both landlords and tenants in negotiating major leases of retail, industrial and office space in California.  Ms. Lister advises national and local development and construction companies in connection with the negotiation and documentation of construction contracts and the resolution of construction disputes for retail, office, mixed-use and university housing developments.

In addition to her legal work, Ms. Lister is involved in various community service organizations and activities, including HomeAid Orange County, a non-profit organization dedicated to building dignified housing for homeless families and individuals. Ms. Lister has served on HomeAid's Board of Directors since 1999, has been a member of their Executive Committee since 2007, and is currently serving as the Board President through 2011.  In 2008, she received, among other volunteers in the community, the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award in recognition of her outstanding service to HomeAid. The President's Volunteer Service Award was the result of President Bush's 2002 State of the Union address, where he challenged Americans to help others through community service.