LAND USE, PLANNING AND ZONING LAW
For over 40 years Jim Reuben has been a successful land use lawyer in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. Starting in 1980, Jim understood that the practice of land use is a public process involving not just the project sponsor but also the people in the regulatory agencies that review the submittals and the residents in the communities where new buildings are to be constructed. Jim has always endeavored to manage the entitlement process respectfully of all parties and as quietly as possible, escalating only when necessary and only to a level proportionate to what is required. An in depth understanding of the applicable codes and rules in each case is fundamental but Jim has made it a point to digest not just the basics but to also to stay ahead of the trends—e.g., knowing what might have occurred at last week’s Planning Commission hearing even if he was not there. And Jim has been able to create and maintain deep relationships with virtually everyone he encounters in his practice—including those that might not agree that real estate development is a good thing. This consistently applied approach to his practice has resulted in Jim becoming quite well known for his expertise in navigating the intricate terrain of urban planning and development in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Many clients work with Jim because of his unusual ability to provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of the clients. As a result, Jim has become a trusted advisor and often a friend to clients seeking guidance on all aspects of land use, planning, and zoning. Many of his clients have been with him for 30 years or more. They range from publicly traded REITS to local and regional developers, all the way to residents seeking expansion of their home. All clients receive the same attention and level of service. Jim likes to remind the people in his office that the work they are doing is only a part of the development process—there are many steps before the entitlement process and many that come after. While entitlements are important, Jim remains aware that the role the entitlement lawyer plays is only one step to be achieved along the client’s path to success. As the founder of Reuben, Junius & Rose, Jim has led countless entitlement processes while always staying out of the media and working quietly with the public agencies to achieve the objectives.
Jim’s practice at Reuben, Junius & Rose goes beyond land use proficiency. The law firm maintains a robust practice in transactional real estate including representing clients in acquisitions, sales, financing and leasing matters. The firm also provides expertise in subdivisions, condominium mapping and documentation. Reuben, Junius & Rose has become well known and respected for maintaining an accomplished permitting team to assist with the post entitlement process.
Although Jim has never sought acknowledgment, and declines press interviews except when instructed otherwise by the client, it should not be surprising that the San Francisco Business Times named Jim to its 2023 inaugural list of the “Power 100” —a list of the 100 most powerful people in business in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jim would never seek such an honorific, but it is gratifying to know that others have recognized Jim’s accomplishments.
Jim’s plans are to be in to the office daily and continue doing exactly what he has been doing at Reuben, Junius & Rose for as long as people seek his help to achieve their goals.
EDUCATION
- B.A., 1968 California State University at Northridge
- J.D., 1976 Golden Gate University
EXPERIENCE/NOTABLE PROJECTS
- Instrumental in conceiving and ushering through the San Francisco Board of Supervisors the Business Improvement District’s enabling legislation, which permits businesses to organize into districts to privately finance and maintain enhanced services by assessment through the secured tax roll.
- Significant practice in the area of transactional real estate. He represents owners, developers, sellers and purchasers in the acquisition, sale, financing, refinancing and development of real property.
- Broad experience in the development of commercial facilities and office buildings, including 150 California Street in the Financial District of San Francisco. He also represents a variety of tenants and landlords in retail and office leasing.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Board of Directors, Golden Gate Yacht Club, sponsoring the America’s Cup
- Board of Directors, City Center District of San Francisco
- Member, State Bar of California (Real Property Section)
- Member, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Directors, Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee, 1992-1996
