Christopher A. Jacobs

Christopher A. Jacobs

Shareholder

Background

Chris Jacobs' practice revolves around complex real estate transactions, real estate finance, title insurance, development/construction and land use matters.

Chris' work includes representing clients in the purchase or sale of residential, development, commercial and industrial properties; representing clients before governmental agencies in development, construction, land use and environmental matters on the Southern and Central Coast of California. He has particular experience advising clients on coastal development and land use permitting, including flood zone and beachfront development, seawalls and related coastal protection regulations. He has served as special assistant and deputy counsel to various public agencies on the Central Coast of California.

With a background that includes substantial and first hand experience in general contracting and real estate development, Chris has a thorough understanding of the business and legal issues affecting real estate and real estate development transactions. He applies this special set of skills to represent his clients with a unique blend of professional and legal experience. Working with a diverse client base, Chris analyzes transactions from a multitude of perspectives, providing his clients a comprehensive legal approach to real estate and land use matters.

INDUSTRIES:

    Representative Matters

    Recent Experience

    • Developed strategy and program to obtain development entitlements for a new residence in an existing and established high-end, beach neighborhood in Montecito, CA. Following the controversial entitlement process, managed the LEED Platinum certification process for the contemporary, custom-designed, sustainable residence which will also receive a resolution of commendation from the Board of Supervisors, Santa Barbara County's highest decision making body.

    • Represented the buyer in providing land use and title due diligence for the acquisition of a 25-acre agricultural property containing several significant historical structures and involving complex conservation easements and related private covenants in the Santa Barbara County foothills.

    • Represented the buyer in providing land use due diligence for the acquisition of a 550-acre ranch in the Santa Barbara County foothills.

    • Handle ongoing constraints and opportunities analysis for a 4,000-acre ranch in coastal Santa Barbara County related to land use, agricultural and natural resources planning. Brownstein is also coordinating related entitlements for two single-family residences and managing the process for LEED for Homes certification.

    • Represented a client before Santa Barbara County to obtain entitlements for the development of a custom-designed, sustainable home. Brownstein also assisted in easement issues and managed the LEED certification process for the property.

    • Prepared and filed lis pendens as means to enforce purchase agreement of multi-million dollar properties.

    Credentials

    Education

    • J.D., 1988, Loyola Law School
    • B.A., 1976, University of California, Davis

    Admissions

    • California, 1988

    Memberships

    California and Santa Barbara County Bar Associations

    Community Involvement

    COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

    Board of Directors, Surf Happens/One More Wave Foundation

    Master Planning Committee, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

    Trustee and Officer, James Bower Foundation

    Planned Giving Committee, All-Saints-by the Sea Episcopal Church

    Facilities Committee, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria

    Recognition

    AWARDS:

    Best Lawyers in America, 2012-2023

    Decorative image for view more block
    Meet more team members