News

Two Principals at Alpert, Barr & Grant Selected 2012 Super Lawyers

(February 3, 2012)

ENCINO, CALIF.--Lee Kanon Alpert and Gary L. Barr, principals in the Encino law firm of Alpert, Barr & Grant APLC, have been named by Super Lawyers Southern California magazine as two of the top attorneys in Southern California for 2012. No more than 5 percent of lawyers in California receive this honor.

Each year, a research team at Super Lawyers undertakes an independent, statewide survey of lawyers, compiles peer reviews and makes good-standing and disciplinary checks of thousands of attorneys. Only attorneys receiving the highest marks qualify as a Super Lawyer.

Alpert has more than 39 years of legal experience with primary practice areas in business and corporate law, administrative and government relations, arbitration and mediation, cable franchising negotiations and commercial, construction and real estate transactional law. He is currently chair of the Providence Regional Ministry Board overseeing four hospitals and one private high school and is chair of Genesis L.A. Economic Development Corp. He previously served as the president of the Board of Commissioners for the Los Angeles City Department of Water and Power. He was the recipient the Stanley M. Lintz Community Service Award from the San Fernando Valley Bar Association where Alpert also served as president.

Barr has 33 years of legal experience. His practice focuses on all forms of civil litigation including financial services, manufactured housing, foreclosures, real estate, creditors' rights in bankruptcy and landlord-tenant. Barr is the current chair of the board of directors of the California Manufactured Housing Institute and sits on the California State Bar Consumer Financial Services Committee. He is a past president of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. In 2010, he received a Los Angeles Board of Supervisors commendation for "dedicated service to the affairs of the community.”

Gary L. Barr Speaks on Alternative Housing Foreclosures

(February 1, 2012)

Gary L. Barr recently spoke before the California State Bar Consumer Financial Services Committee. His 25-minute presentation focused on foreclosing on alternative forms of housing. Barr is a member of the committee, having been appointed in 2010. Membership responsibilities include helping advance California legislation involving consumer finance and sharing legal expertise with bar membership. Participating in the discussion were finance attorneys from throughout California.

Lee and Arlene Alpert Honored

The Forward Press

(November 2011)

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Mixing Business With Passion

Los Angeles Daily Journal

(November 4, 2011)

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Gary L. Barr Recovers Attorney Fees in Real Estate Partnership Dispute

(November 20, 2011)

Gary L. Barr recently recovered much of the attorney fees for his client in a case involving a business dispute between partners in real estate investments.

Alexander S. Kasendorf Receives Jaycees 2011 Helping Hand Award

(November 3, 2011)

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Alpert, Barr & Grant Participates in "Light The Night Walk"

(November 2, 2011)

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Lee and Arlene Alpert Honored by Haven Hills Domestic Violence Center

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Lee Kanon Alpert article on legal ethics appears in The Bottom Line

(August, 2011)

An excerpt from an article that Lee Kanon Alpert prepared for the Los Angeles Daily Journal appeared in the August 2011 issue of The Bottom Line, the publication of the California Bar’s Law Practice Management and Technology Section.

Titled "More Than Just Rules," it discusses the importance of following the guiding principles of ethics from the moment potential clients inquire about services.

To read the article, click here.

Gary L. Barr and Terry Sternberg Co-Write ADR Provisions Article

(Summer, 2011)

Alpert, Barr & Grant's Gary L. Barr and Terry M. Sternberg, a Woodland Hills real estate litigation attorney, co-wrote "Still Searching for That Safe Harbor, Revising Your ADR Provisions: Look Before You Leap." The article appeared in the Summer issue of Points of Interest, the official publication of the California Mortgage Association. The article discusses a recent California Supreme Court decision that has created uncertainty about the viability of choosing a judicial reference as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) option. The article is available at (go to AB&G website posting).

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Adam D.H. Grant Wins All Post Trial Motions

(July 19, 2011)

On May 2, 2011, an Orange County jury rendered a complete defense verdict for Adam D.H. Grant’s clients after a two-month trial.  The plaintiff filed a Motion for a New Trial, a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict and a Motion to Tax a cost bill Mr. Grant submitted on behalf of his clients as the prevailing parties. Mr. Grant filed a Motion for Attorneys Fees. The Court denied all of the plaintiff’s motions and granted Mr. Grant’s motion, awarding his clients 100% of all attorneys' fees and costs incurred in the four year matter.

Adam D. H. Grant Finishes 7th Ironman Triathlon

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Adam D.H. Grant and Alexander S. Kasendorf win Anti-Slapp Motion

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Adam D.H. Grant authors Daily Journal article on Arbitration Limitations

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GARY L. BARR PRESENTS AT SEMINAR ON REAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND TAX ISSUES

(May 23, 2011)

ENCINO, CALIF.--Gary L. Barr recently made a presentation at an estate planning seminar on the different forms of real property ownership and real property tax reassessment and transfer issues under California’s Proposition 13. Gary made the presentation at The Sydney Law Firm Estate Planning Boot Camp in Woodland Hills. Gary spoke before approximately 70 accountants and financial planners.

Adam D.H. Grant Obtains Defense Verdict In Contentious Orange County Embezzlement Case

(May 16, 2011)

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF.--On May 2, 2011 after four years of contentious litigation, an Orange County jury returned a defense verdict in a matter alleging embezzlement and self-dealing (International Space Optics, S.A. vs. Hamasaki, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 07CC04325).

International Space Optics (ISO), a Costa Mesa, Calif.-based importer and seller of lenses and cameras, filed a complaint on March 24, 2007 against defendants Paul Hamasaki and Scott Hamasaki claiming the father and son, along with other family members, took approximately $5 million and engaged in self-dealing transactions related to ISO’s products. It specifically accused Paul Hamasaki, a former ISO general manager, of secretly forcing ISO to do business with two companies Hamasaki partially owned.

Adam D.H. Grant, a partner with the Encino, California law firm of Alpert, Barr & Grant, represented Paul and Scott Hamasaki. After numerous witnesses and hundreds of exhibits involving approximately 1,083 transactions, the jury deliberated for three days and found in favor of the Hamasakis on all claims.

The jury also found that ISO was responsible for its own damages.

Grant stated, “We are pleased our clients had their day in court and that the jury felt our clients should prevail. We believe ISO should never have filed the action and that ISO perpetrated this ruse to gain complete control of ISO.”

Gary L. Barr Featured in CMHI Publication

(March/April, 2011)

Gary L. Barr was profiled in the latest issue of the California Manufactured Housing Institute's "ManuFacts." Barr was recently named chairman of the board of CMHI, the second time he has held that position. CMHI is a non-profit professional and trade association representing builders of factory-constructed homes, retailers, financial services, developers and community owners and their supplier companies. As part of his practice, Barr represents many of the lenders in the manufactured housing industry. To read the article, go to ManuFacts.

Gary L. Barr Elected Chair of California Manufactured Housing Institute Board of Directors

(March 30, 2011)

Gary L. Barr was elected chairman of the California Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI) Board of Directors at this month's CMHI annual convention in Temecula. He has been a director of the organization's Financial Services Division for 19 years and previously served as CMHI board chair for two years. CMHI is a non-profit professional and trade association representing builders of factory-constructed homes, retailers, financial services, developers and community owners and their supplier companies. Barr represents many of the lenders in this industry. Last year, Barr received CMHI's President's Award for his contributions to the industry. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Jack E. Wells Memorial Award for outstanding industry leadership and service, CMHI's highest honor.

Gary L. Barr Speaks At National Finance/Legislative Conference in Washington

(March 21, 2011)

"California Financial Law Update" was the topic of a panel discussion with Gary L. Barr at the Manufactured Housing Institute's (MHI) Legislative Conference & Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. on March 14. MHI is a national housing organization focusing on industry finance, legal and government relations issues. The panel was part of MHI's Finance Lawyers Committee program.

Gary L. Barr Named 2011 Super Lawyer

(February 16, 2011)

For the third straight year, Gary L. Barr has been named a Super Lawyer. Barr was acknowledged for his legal expertise in business, real estate, banking and construction litigation. The Super Lawyers' selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Only 5 percent of attorneys are selected as Super Lawyers.

Lee Kanon Alpert Speaks at 2011 International VerdeXchange

(February 15, 2011)

Lee Kanon Alpert was a panelist at the fourth annual 2011 International VerdeXchange California Conference and Expo in January at the University of Southern California. Mr. Alpert and panel members discussed how cities are integrating sustainable planning, design and technology to create new low-carbon city buildings. He spoke at the last several years' conferences as well. Approximately 500-650 delegates, including industry leaders and procurers involved with renewable energy, energy efficiency, transmission, alternative fuel vehicles, clean water and green building, from throughout the world attended the conference.

Gary L. Barr Speaks at Calif. Mortgage Association's Private Mortgage Financing Conference

(February 8, 2011)

Gary L. Barr was a panelist at a Private Mortgage Financing conference sponsored by the California Mortgage Association (CMA). Brokers, lenders, borrowers, securitizers, investors and attorneys attended the two-day conference held Feb. 3-4 in Los Angeles. Barr spoke on the latest lending dispute and litigation issues as well as on recent case law. His panel presented helpful ideas to members of the lending industry on how best to structure their litigation and dispute resolution strategies.

Adam D.H. Grant Defeats Entire Counterclaim In Arbitration

(January 21, 2011)

Mr. Grant successfully convinced an arbitrator to prevent a respondent from pursing any part of her extensive counterclaim against the petitioner, Mr. Grant’s client. more...

Lee Kanon Alpert quoted in San Fernando Valley Business Journal

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Remarks by LADWP Chief Operating Officer Raman Raj Regarding Board President Lee Kanon Alpert

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Statement by LADWP General Manager Austin Beutner Regarding the Resignation of Board of Water and Power Commission President Lee Kanon Alpert

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MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA'S STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF LEE K. ALPERT FROM THE BOARD OF WATER AND POWER COMMISSION

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Lee Kanon Alpert Receives "Leaders of Character" Award

Lee Kanon Alpert was honored December 9 with a "Leaders of Character" award presented by the Learning for Life Western Los Angeles County Council. The award is given to "outstanding citizens in business, education, government and community who have distinguished themselves in their career, in public life, and in service to humankind." Also honored were civic leaders David and Jean Fleming, Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith and California State University, Northridge President Jolene Koester.

The organization offers a worksite-based program called "Learning for Life" for young people ages 14 through 20 years old that provides real-world experiences that "help young people mature and to prepare to become responsible and caring adults." For more information on the organization and program, go to http://www.learningforlife.org/exploring/.

Lee Kanon Alpert Lauded For Work on Board of Water & Power Commissioners

Los Angeles Major Antonio Villaraigosa and LADWP executives praised Lee Kanon Alpert for his three years on the DWP's Board of Water & Power Commissioners where he most recently served as president.

Statements from:
Mayor Villaraigosa (link)
LADWP General Manager Austin Beutner (link)
LADWP Chief Operating Officer Raman Raj (link)

Lee Kanon Alpert a Featured Panelist at U.S. News & World Report's National Issues Briefing

Lee Kanon Alpert was one of three panelists who participated in the December 2 U.S. News & World Report's National Issues Briefing titled “Plug-and-Play: Cities on Smart Grid.” The briefing took place in Los Angeles and was taped for future airing.

The panel, which also included Kevin Dasso, senior director of Smart Grid and Technology Integration for Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Rajit Gadh, founding director of the UCLA Smart Grid Energy Research Center, discussed what cities are doing to create a more efficient Smart Grid and overall greener municipalities. In attendance were over 100 senior business executives and industry-related media.

Alpert, Barr & Grant Raises Over $4,100 for "Light the Night"

Alpert, Barr & Grant employees and friends raised more than $4,100 as part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light The Night Walk" on November 6 in Warner Center Park. The law firm held monthly "fun raising" events since April to collect donations and then formed a 16-person team that signed up sponsors and volunteered to take part in the two-mile walk around the park. Alpert, Barr & Grant has been contributing to Light the Night for five years. This year's co-chairs were Ava Guzman and Heather Edwards. For more information on Light the Night and the search for cures for blood-related cancers, go to http://www.lightthenight.org/.

Alexander S. Kasendorf Volunteers for Operation Gratitude

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Lee Kanon Alpert Honored with Armand Arabian Leaders Award

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Adam D.H. Grant Elected Treasurer of SFVBA

(October 2, 2010)

Adam D.H. Grant was elected Treasurer of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. The installation dinner took place October 2. Previously, he served two terms on the bar's board of trustees. As Treasurer, he will carefully oversee the management of the bar's finances and play a leadership role as a member of SFVBA executive committee.

Adam D.H. Grant Wins Pre-Trial Motion In Lease Dispute

(September 29, 2010)

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Gary L. Barr Recognized by Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

(September 17, 2010)

Gary L. Barr received a commendation from the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 in recognition of his "dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the citizens of Los Angeles County."

Mr. Barr is a past Commissioner on the Los Angeles County Commission on Judicial Procedures, a position appointed by the Board of Supervisors. He is a current member of the Los Angeles County Assessor's Advisory Committee.

Lee Kanon Alpert Re-Elected President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners

(July 22, 2010)

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Lee Kanon Alpert speaks at Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners

(June 2010)

Lee Kanon Alpert spoke at the annual conference of the Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners (WCPSC) held June 13-16, 2010 at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Attending were commissioners and utility representatives from 13 western states, state and federal government officials, members of the venture capital community, public interest groups and regional planning organizations. Mr. Alpert spoke on a panel on "What Makes the News and Why."

Gary L. Barr speaks on SAFE Act at CMPA Conference

(June 2010)

June 2010 -- Gary L. Barr was a panelist at the June CMPA annual conference in Las Vegas where the topic was SAFE Act licensing requirements. The SAFE Act is designed to increase consumer protection and reduce fraud by requiring states to license and register mortgage loan originators. He discussed the applicability of the SAFE Act on various types of sales transactions.

Adam D.H. Grant Appointed Temporary Judge

(June 2010)

Adam D. H. Grant was appointed as a Temporary Judge for the Los Angeles Superior Court. A panel of judges reviewed his application before making the appointment. Mr. Grant  will initially sit as a judge in the Van Nuys Traffic Court.

Mark S. Blackman Quoted in California Lawyer Article

(May 2010)

Gary L. Barr Receives Award From California Manufactured Housing Institute
San Fernando Valley Business Journal

(April 16, 2010)

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Adam D.H. Grant attends dedication of San Fernando Superior Court Children’s’ Waiting Room

(April 2010)

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Adam D.H. Grant MCs 2010 Judge's Night Dinner

(April 2010)

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Gary L. Barr Discusses New California's SAFE Act

(March 2010)

Gary L. Barr was a speaker as part of a panel discussion at the recent California Manufactured Housing Institute's Annual Convention in Temecula where he discussed the California SAFE Act. This new legislation requires Mortgage Loan Originators to become licensed . This legislation implements newly-created federally mandated licensing requirements. Mr. Barr is a director from CMHI's Financial Services Division.

Gary L. Barr Receives 2010 President's Award From California Manufactured Housing Institute

(March 2010)

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Lee Kanon Alpert Featured Speaker at Providence Health & Services Conference

(March 2010)

Lee Kanon Alpert was a panelist at the Providence Health & Services 2010 Annual Governance Conference in Seattle, March 11-13, 2010. His panel discussed additional components of the PH&S Operational Transformation Plan.

Adam D.H. Grant co-chairs Jewish Federation fundraiser that raises $4.5 million

(February 12, 2010)

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Gary L. Barr Named Super Lawyer for 2010

(February 2010)

Gary L. Barr was named a Super Lawyer for 2010. Barr also received the honor in 2009. To be selected as a Super Lawyer, attorneys must first go through a peer-nomination process. The background and experience of each nominated candidate is then evaluated for professional achievement. Candidates are then grouped by practice area and final selections are made on a point basis. Only 5 percent of attorneys in a state are selected as a Super Lawyer. Barr, with nearly 32 years of legal experience, focuses his practice on civil and commercial litigation involving real estate, banking, business and construction.

Lee Kanon Alpert Speaker at VerdeXchange Conference

(January 25, 2010)

Lee Kanon Alpert was a panel member discussing  "Regional & Local Sustainability Initiatives: Political Action towards Green Growth" at the VerdeXchange Conference in Los Angeles on January 25, 2010. The conference brought together leading and innovative technology, energy, financial and regulatory green marketmakers from the private and public sector.

GARY L. BARR SELECTED TO STATE BAR'S BUSINESS LAW SECTION'S CONSUMER FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

(January 2010)

January 2010 -- Gary L. Barr, principal with the Encino law firm of Alpert, Barr & Grant, has been selected a member of the California State Bar's Business Law Section's Consumer Financial Services Committee. The committee, made up of leading attorneys representing consumers and financial institutions, sponsors continuing education seminars for lawyers wishing to stay current on consumer finance issues and evolving legislation.

Mark S. Blackman, Gary S. Barr Successfully Represent Wells Fargo in Court of Appeals “Lien Priorities” Case

(October 29, 2009)

In an October 22 decision, the First District Court of Appeals laid out a methodology for determining lien priorities when inconsistent lien priorities exist in non-judicial foreclosure sales, Wells Fargo Bank et. al. v. James Neilsen (A122626, San Mateo County Superior Court No. CIV 465331). more...

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