Kathy Emanuel has over 15 years of experience in two distinct areas of law – real estate and business litigation and trusts and estates. She has successfully represented clients in the litigation, arbitration, and mediation of a full range of real estate and business disputes, including litigation related to real estate development, construction, financing and sales, ownership, title insurance, leasing and management, landlord-tenant relationships, foreclosures, and bankruptcy.
She has significant trial and appellate experience, with an excellent record for settling matters quickly and favorably. In 2005, she received the "Outstanding Young Lawyer Award" from the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Real Property Section.
Ms. Emanuel also represents a wide range of individuals at all stages of life, helping preserve their wealth for future generations through advice and planning concerning estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes.
In addition, Ms. Emanuel prepares all necessary documents to implement their estate plans. She uses her significant litigation experience to advise and represent clients in trust, probate, and conservatorship administration and litigation.
Representative Work
Real Estate and Business Litigation
Los Angeles Export Terminal, Inc., etc., et al. v. City of Los Angeles
Lead attorney, successfully represented the City of Los Angeles in landlord-tenant and shareholder disputes. The Terminal (one of the City's permitees) and the Terminal's majority shareholder both had alleged damages in excess of $400 million against the City. The matter settled favorably during the initial stages of discovery.
Ameri v. Naftex, et al.
Successfully represented defendants and cross-complainants in a dispute with regard to an alleged partnership interest in oil and gas ventures.
Kilroy Realty, L.P. v. Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.
Defended Mitsubishi against a several million dollar claim for breach of contract, fraud and other tort claims related to Mitsubishi's sale of a 100,000 square foot building. Favorably settled the matter on the first day of trial.
American Gunite, Inc. v. City Constructors, Inc., etc., et al.
Lead attorney, successfully represented City Constructors and other defendants in a mechanic's lien and breach of contract action brought by a subcontractor against the general contractor, owner and lender. Settled the matter favorably during the initial stages of discovery.
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority v. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.
Lead attorney, successfully represented the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority in an action for breach of an agreement for the abandonment and removal of pipeline owned by Kinder Morgan. Favorably settled the matter during the initial stages of discovery.
Afari v. Afari, et al.
Successfully represented the defendants and cross-complainants in defense of claims of fraud, lawyer's malpractice and fraudulent procurement of release, relating to the purchase of a 215-unit apartment building and related tax exempt bond issues. Our clients prevailed against all claims in arbitration.
Trusts and Estates/ Estate Planning
Estate and Gift Tax Planning. Advised clients on techniques for reducing or eliminating federal estate tax and taxes on generational transfers.
Estate Planning. Prepared all necessary documents to implement clients' estate plans, including probate avoidance trusts, irrevocable trusts and insurance trusts, wills, powers of attorney, nominations of conservators, family limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and similar fractional ownership devices.
Spousal Rights Planning. Prepared community property agreements, premarital agreements and spousal property agreements.
Probate and Trust Administration. Advised executors and trustees regarding routine and complex issues faced in the administration of estates and trusts.
Conservatorships. Advised and conducted litigation regarding issues faced in conservatorships.
Probate and Trust Litigation. Advised and conducted litigation regarding the rights of beneficiaries in trusts and in estates, and conducted litigation regarding trustees' and executors' accounts.
Elder Law Litigation. Advised and conducted litigation to protect older individuals from abuse, theft of assets, and fraud.