Practice Overview

Geoff Etnire is a real estate specialist, limiting his practice to advising and representing clients in real estate and land use matters. For over 25 years, Mr. Etnire has represented developers, landowners, and investors in the acquisition, sale, and leasing of real estate, with a particular emphasis on guiding clients through the process of obtaining government approvals.

Widely-recognized as an experienced advocate, Geoff has resolved environmental, subdivision, development, municipal, and redevelopment issues throughout California. Clients involve Geoff in projects and proposals at early stages, often before acquisition or leasing of the property, for his judgment and guidance in creating a proposal that is achievable and that minimizes the possibility of subsequent disputes.

Geoff was the founder of the Real Estate Group at Hoge Fenton and serves as Co-Chair of the Silicon Valley Real Estate Breakfasts, and Co-Editor of The Real Estate Book (a reference book for real estate professionals). Geoff created DirtLawyer.com, a land use website, and speaks frequently on real estate topics for the State Bar of California and real estate professionals.

Affiliations

• National Association of Industrial & Office Properties (NAIOP)
• International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
• Santa Clara Bar Association -Silicon Valley Chapter -Real Estate Section
• Palo Alto Area Bar Association
• California State Bar -Real Estate Section -Real Property Law Section
• Alameda Bar Association -Real Property/Tax Law Section -Real Estate Section -Environmental Law Section
• Contra Costa County Bar Association -Real Estate Section

Board of Directors

Banking
-Mission-Valley Bancorp (holding company) Director & Executive Committee, 1985-89
-Bank of Pleasanton Director, 1984-89 Chair of Board, 1986-89

Escrow
-Bay Area Escrow Services, Founder & Chair of Board, 1985-88

Real Estate Investments Trusts
-Board Member of four publicly- traded companies, 1993-96

Non-Profits
-Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 1984-88 President, 1987
-Valley Volunteer Center Board of Directors, 1989-93 President, 1991-92
-Palo Alto AYSO Board of Directors, 1997-2002 Chief Commissioner, 1998-2001
-Palo Alto Little League Board of Directors, 2001-03