William S. Small
California
Enenstein Pham Glass & Rabbat
8439 W. Sunset Blvd
Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Tel: (310) 899-2070
Email:
wsmall@epgrlawyers.com
Web:
www.epgrlawyers.com
William S. Small is a nationally recognized real estate lawyer with over forty-eight years of experience successfully handling a broad range of real property transactions.
Bill’s real estate practice heavily emphasizes (1) the representation of community, regional, and national banks and other institutional lenders in commercial real estate lending and construction finance; (2) acquisitions and dispositions of commercial real estate (all property types); (3) representation of landlords and tenants in leasing transactions for retail, office, and industrial properties; and (4) commercial real estate development matters, including preparation of construction contracts and agreements with architects and engineers.
Commercial Real Estate Finance
One of the primary areas of Bill’s real estate practice is the representation of commercial banks (community, regional, and national banks) and other financial institutions (insurance companies, mortgage REITS, and other lenders) in all aspects of commercial real estate lending and construction finance, including loan origination and documentation; loan administration and servicing; loan modifications, workouts and restructuring; and secured loan enforcement. Bill has represented lending institutions with respect to more than $3.5 Billion in construction, bridge, and permanent loans for all property types, including office, retail, industrial, residential subdivisions, condominiums, leasehold estates, and special use properties.
Bill has extensive experience with the California Finance Lenders Law (“CFLL”), which is an often overlooked California licensing requirement, generally applicable to any person engaged in the business of making consumer and commercial loans in California, subject to specified exemptions under the CFLL. Bill has successfully guided lenders through the process of obtaining a license under the CFLL, as well as advising lenders with respect to the requirements of available exemptions.
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Bill has broad and deep experience in the acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate, including industrial and manufacturing property, office buildings, shopping and retail centers, hotels, multifamily projects, and other property types, including expertise in the following areas:
- Preparation and negotiation of purchase and sale documentation for the disposition of commercial real estate, including hotels and other projects consisting of mixed real property and personal property assets.
- Due diligence investigations for investors/purchasers of commercial real estate, including review of title reports and underlying title documents, leases, operating information, ALTA surveys, environmental assessments, property and engineering inspections, and land use entitlements.
Bill received his B.A. degree, cum laude, from Harvard University in 1972, and his J.D. degree from U.C.L.A. in 1977. Bill is a frequent lecturer on commercial real estate finance, leasing, acquisitions, and development.
EPGR’s highly ranked Real Estate Practice Group has extensive experience covering all aspects of real estate acquisitions and dispositions, development, leasing, construction, and financing for a wide range of property types in California and throughout the United States. The firm is well-equipped to efficiently manage large portfolio transactions as well as sophisticated single-asset deals. EPGR’s real estate attorneys deliver practical, innovative solutions designed to help clients achieve their commercial objectives while proactively identifying and addressing potential risks in a pragmatic and constructive manner.
The Real Estate Practice Group advises clients across the full spectrum of real estate matters, including:
- Acquisitions and Dispositions: Representation in the purchase and sale of office, multifamily, retail, and industrial properties, land for development, special-use facilities (including hotels, nursing homes, and leasehold estates), as well as complex multi-state transactions.
- 1031 Exchange Transactions: Handling forward and reverse exchanges, multi-property exchanges, TIC roll-ups, refinancings, and investment-driven exchange strategies.
- Joint Ventures and Investment Structures: Advising on real estate partnerships, joint ventures, equity investments, and tenant-in-common (TIC) structures, representing sponsors, investors, special purpose entities, funds, and syndicators.
- Real Estate Financing: Negotiating loan documentation for permanent, construction, bridge, refinancing, and mezzanine financing, representing both lenders and borrowers.
- Ground Leases: Counseling landlords, tenants, and leasehold lenders in ground lease transactions.
- Commercial Leasing: Representing owners of shopping centers, office buildings, and industrial properties, as well as nationally and regionally recognized tenants, in all aspects of commercial leasing, including due diligence, lease negotiation, work letters, construction agreements, ground-up and build-to-suit transactions, and lease administration.
- Development and Construction: Advising on development and construction projects across all asset classes, including contracts with architects, engineers, and general contractors.
- Securities and Fund Formation: Assisting with real estate fund formation, private placements, REIT transactions, and securities law compliance related to real estate investments and sponsorship structures.
- Loan Modifications and Workouts: Representing clients in loan restructurings, workouts, and modifications.
Enenstein Pham Glass & Rabbat (EPGR) is a business-focused law firm known for delivering practical, strategic, and results-oriented legal counsel to companies, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs. The firm combines deep industry knowledge with a collaborative approach, allowing clients to navigate complex legal challenges with confidence and efficiency. EPGR is committed to providing personalized attention while maintaining the sophisticated capabilities typically associated with larger national firms.
EPGR’s attorneys are recognized for their experience across a broad range of practice areas, including business litigation, real estate, corporate and transactional matters, intellectual property, labor and employment, and dispute resolution. The firm represents clients of all sizes—from early-stage ventures and family-owned businesses to established corporations and high-net-worth individuals—offering tailored legal strategies that align with each client’s business objectives and risk profile. The firm’s multidisciplinary structure ensures clients receive comprehensive advice that addresses both immediate legal needs and long-term goals.
With offices in key markets and a team of attorneys who are respected for their integrity, judgment, and advocacy, EPGR is dedicated to achieving meaningful outcomes for its clients in both transactional and adversarial settings. The firm prioritizes efficiency, responsiveness, and clear communication, striving to build lasting relationships based on trust and proven performance. EPGR’s commitment to professional excellence and client service continues to guide its reputation as a premier business law firm.