Construction defect specialist with deep HOA general representation roots.

Areas of Expertise

Construction defect claims and litigation
General HOA/CID business litigation
Major reconstruction contract drafting

Fiduciary duty and HOA corporate governance
Problem solving. Problem avoidance. Conflict avoidance.

In virtually every case, John can speak meaningfully about any HOA-related legal predicament and determine how to best resolve it. But more importantly, he has the ability to take the most complex legal concept and explain what his client needs to know, what they need to consider, and the decisions they need to make and why. Even the most overwhelmed board member or community association manager is comfortable with John and appreciative of his approach.

John began representing homeowner associations more than 25 years ago, prior to the current-day specialization within HOA law firms. As a result, John can do it all and has done it all – from corporate governance representation to multimillion dollar construction defect claims.

What do clients say about John? He is prepared. He is fair. He is honest. He is respectful. He gives clear guidance and insightful advice. And he is good at what he does.

Experience & Background

Founding HGCT shareholder
Exclusively representing HOAs in all aspects of CID operations for more than 25 years
Has represented individuals, public entities, and businesses in general and business litigation matters
Throughout 2017 and 2018, provided legal guidance to industry organizations and testified before subcommittees in Sacramento regarding SB 721 and its impact on the CID industry
Sought-after industry speaker

Industry Involvement

Community Associations Institute (CAI)

Past-president, Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Credentialing instructor

California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

Credentialing faculty

Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)

Board of Directors

Professional Affiliations

Contra Costa Bar Association

Education

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

Santa Clara University

BA in Political Science

Bar Admissions

California

Northern District of California

Eastern District of California

GET TO KNOW JOHN

John appreciates the value of face-to-face communication. He finds the benefits of in-person conversation help him build stronger relationships with his clients. His favorite thing about being a lawyer? Solving people’s problems. And if he wasn’t an attorney, he doesn’t have an inkling of what he would do professionally.

FUN FACTS:

Bay Area native
Voracious reader
Lifelong San Francisco Giants fan

Knows construction from the ground up as he once worked building homes.

Awards & Honors

2020-2022 Northern California Super Lawyers®

2017 CACM President’s Vision Award

Awarded January 2018, in recognition of industry legal expertise, legislative work and commitment to the California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

Presentations & Publications

AB 634 and Solar Energy Systems: Coming to a Condominium Roof Near You

ECHO Journal; January 2018

When Politics Comes to the Clubhouse: SB 407 Says You Can’t Stop Political Gatherings in Common Areas

ECHO Journal; January 2018

The Costly Future of SB 721: Anticipating Deck Inspection Requirements

ECHO Journal; January 2018

The Common (and Not So Common) Courtesy of Being a Board Member

Annual Board Educational Seminar and Trade Show; August 2019
Bay Area Property Services

Vendor Contracts and Management Agreements: Best Legal Protections for Associations and Board Members

Annual Trade Show and Seminar; June 2019
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)

Avoid Deferred Maintenance Mayhem

Spring Regional Forums – East Bay, San Jose and San Francisco; May 2019
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

Required Repairs: The Heavy Cost of SB 721

Annual Trade Show and Seminar; June 2018
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)

Structural Defects and SB 721: What You Need to Know

Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2018
Southern California Law Seminar and Expo; March 2018
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

Beyond the Legislative Update

Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2016, 2017, 2018
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

SB721 – Balcony Inspections and Testing

Fall Regional Forum – East Bay and Sacramento; October 2017
Fall Regional Forum – Coachella Valley, San Diego and Los Angeles; November 2017
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

New Laws and Legislation for 2018

ECHO Wine Country Seminar; March 2018
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)
Fall Regional Forum – East Bay and Sacramento; October 2017
Fall Regional Forum – Coachella Valley, San Diego and Los Angeles; November 2017
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

When Should the Manager Call the Attorney?

Management Company CEO Conference; September 2017
Levy Erlanger & Company, CPAs

Disability Access Requests

Annual Trade Show and Seminar; June 2017
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)
Management Company CEO Conference; September 2013
Levy Erlanger & Company, CPAs

Community Association Security Challenges

Management Company CEO Conference; September 2016
Levy Erlanger & Company, CPAs

Anatomy of a Healthy Renovation Project

Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2015
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

We’re Going to Court!

Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2014
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

California Common Interest Development Law Course

Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter; 2011, 2012, 2013

Dangerous Requests and How to Respond

San Francisco Managers Information Group; September 2013

The “New” Davis-Stirling Act – Changes and Impact

Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2013
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

Architectural Review: Strategies to Avoid Controversy and Win Cases

Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2012
Southern California Law Seminar and Expo; March 2012
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)

SB 800: The “Right to Repair” Act

Developer Relationships, Maintenance Manuals and SB 800

Maintenance Manual Compliance

Impact of Maintenance Manuals and Inspection Requirements in CC&Rs

Construction, Repairs, Insurance and Contracts

Contracts for Major Repairs: How to Best Protect Your Association

Maintenance, Repair and Reserve Funding

New Legislation and Case Law Update

New Laws: What You Need to Know

Fiduciary Duty and Challenges Facing Voluntary Directors

Board Orientation for Managers

New Community and Developer Issues

Management Company and Board Education Events
Various Clients