Dean A. Messmer

Principal

Practice Emphasis

Business and real estate transactions; mergers and acquisitions; commercial contracts and leases; commercial litigation; condemnations (eminent domain).

Drawing on years of prior experience in business and real estate litigation, as well as representation of numerous property owners in condemnation cases, Dean represents clients in real estate transactions and purchases and sales of privately-held businesses. He also represents clients in business sales disputes, and trusts and estates litigation.

Education

Stanford University, Bachelor of Arts, 1971
Duke Law School, Juris Doctor, 1974

Experience

Represented sellers in stock and asset business sales, including construction contractors, manufacturers, distributors, real estate brokerages, and biotech laboratory
Represented primary shareholders in sale of e-commerce company
Negotiated numerous leases on behalf of restaurant, office, distribution and other commercial tenants
Won $1,125,000 arbitration award for sellers in sale of business earn-out dispute
Defended guarantors before trial and appellate courts in landmark non-judicial deed of trust foreclosure act cases
Obtained multiple $1+ million settlements and judgments for property owners in condemnation lawsuits
Obtained $1,300,000 settlement for beneficiaries in trust/estate litigation