BOSTON—Riemer & Braunstein LLP, a law firm specializing in the representation of financial institutions, life insurance companies, and debt funds in real estate and commercial transactions, announced the opening of a California office in Newport Beach.
The establishment of the West Coast office will further broaden the firm’s geographic platform and enhance its ability to represent national and regional financial institutions. Mark Appelbaum, an experienced real estate attorney who represents financial institutions in sophisticated real estate and finance transactions in California and nationally, will be the managing partner of the California office and will be working with firm management to expand the firm’s West Coast practice.
Appelbaum most recently was a partner at the Irvine office of a well-known worldwide law firm. For most of his legal career, Mark has actively represented institutional lenders in the origination, management, and workout of secured and unsecured real estate finance transactions, as well as loan sales and acquisitions. Mark is well-known for his significant experience in hospitality finance.
“We committed to expanding to California. A West Coast presence was important for us to better serve our national finance clients, but we needed the right person to work with to establish this office,” said Kevin Lyons, managing partner-elect of Riemer & Braunstein. Lyons added that, “We could not have found a better partner for this new venture than Mark.”
“I have come to know Mark over the years and have always had a very high regard for his legal skills and experience, as well as his commitment and approach to the practice,” said Richard Lefkowitz, a co-chair of Riemer & Braunstein’s real estate finance practice area, adding, “Mark is well known and respected by our institutional clients, which will make this a seamless transition.”
“I’m very excited about joining the team at Riemer & Braunstein,” said Appelbaum. “I don’t think there is a firm with more synergies to my practice. I know that my ability to provide my clients with quality representation will be enhanced with the resources, network, and service that has been the hallmark of Riemer & Braunstein’s national real estate and finance practice,” Applebaum added.
Appelbaum, who has practiced in California for 18 years, is a University of Michigan graduate and holds a dual JD/MBA degree from the University of San Francisco.
