Jake Dean
- Washington, D.C.
- Los Angeles
Jake Dean is a trial lawyer focused on commercial, real estate, and employment matters.
Clients turn to Jake for assistance with high-stakes disputes in venues across the country. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in real estate litigation for the last three years.
In his national real estate litigation practice, Jake represents landlords, tenants, owners, and contractors. These real estate matters range from routine lease issues to complex, multiparty disputes involving guarantor liability, lender exposure, construction, and veil-piercing questions. Recently, Jake successfully represented several commercial tenants in nationwide litigation portfolios to strategically exit certain leases and recover unpaid tenant improvement allowances comprising tens of millions of dollars.
In his employment litigation practice, Jake represents employers facing traditional employment claims. These range from employment discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower claims to sophisticated trade secret misappropriation and noncompete issues. Jake recently obtained two complete defense victories at arbitration on behalf of The Boeing Company and a large mortgage company.
Prior to law school, Jake played football for UCLA. He was a starter for two years and was named to the Pac-10 All-Bowl Team in 2009/2010 by ESPN.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- UCLA School of Law, J.D., 2014
- University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., 2010
Bar and Court Admissions
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District of Columbia
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California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
Related Employment
- Alston & Bird LLP, Los Angeles, CA, Senior Associate, 2014-2019
Professional Recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Construction Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law, 2021-2025
Professional Experience
Real Estate Litigation
2221 Park Place Partners v. 2221 Park Place Tenant et al.
California Superior Court (Los Angeles)
Represented tenant and guarantor in lease dispute against landlord arising out of a lease exit. Landlord brought various claims against both the tenant special purpose entity and the guarantor for breach of contract, intentional interference, and punitive damages. Nearly all of the landlord’s claims were dismissed at the pleading stage. Case settled on very favorable terms to tenant.
30 Wall Street Tenant LLC v. Atlantic 30 Wall Street Tenant LLC
New York Supreme Court (New York City)
Represented tenant in dispute against landlord for breach of lease and failure to pay tenant allowance. Case settled on favorable terms, with full lease exit.
100 Summer Street Tenant LLC v. 100 Summer Owner LLC
Massachusetts Superior Court (Boston)
Represented tenant in dispute against landlord for failure to pay tenant $17.4 million in allowance funds. Tenant moved for early summary judgment, and after the court granted the tenant’s request for an expedited trial on the merits, landlord settled all claims, and tenant obtained the full tenant allowanced owed.
One Metropolitan Square Tenant LLC v. 601 Metropolitan Square LLC
Circuit Court of St. Louis County (Missouri)
Represented tenant in dispute against landlord for failure to pay tenant $6.35 million in allowance funds. Case settled on terms favorable to tenant, which obtained all allowance funds owed.
Major Commercial Lease Dispute
United States District Court, Northern District of California
Represented landlord in prosecuting $40 million breach of contract and trespass claims against former tenant for destruction of property and failing to maintain the premises. Case settled on very favorable terms to landlord.
Major Construction Dispute
California Superior Court
Represent owner of a large mixed-use condominium project in (1) prosecuting a $90 million claim against the general contractor and subcontractors for breach of contract and construction defects, and (2) defending against claims from the general contractor and subcontractors for delay, lost productivity, mechanic’s liens, and stop payment notices. Case settled in the high seven figures and on very favorable terms to the owner.
The Boeing Company
JAMS Arbitration
Trial counsel for The Boeing Company relating to claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment. Obtained a complete defense victory after a multiday arbitration.
The Boeing Company
United States District Court, Central District of California
Represented The Boeing Company in claims relating to wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, harassment, and interference with leave rights, among others. Plaintiff’s forensic psychologist withdrew her expert report and all opinions in the case for “the first time in twenty years” after a contentious expert deposition months before trial. The court granted Boeing’s motion for summary judgment on all of plaintiff’s claim.
Technology Company
California Superior Court
Represented major technology company in claims relating to discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and unpaid wages. Obtained a walkaway settlement after discovery confirmed the plaintiff’s claims were frivolous and subject to sanctions.
Construction Company
California Superior Court
Represented major construction company in (1) prosecuting claims for breach of contract for violating a noncompete clause in an asset purchase agreement and (2) defending against claims for wrongful termination and retaliation. Case settled on very favorable terms to the construction company after proving through depositions that the defendant willfully violated the noncompete clause.
Employment Litigation
Mortgage Company
JAMS Arbitration
Trial counsel for large mortgage company relating to claims for breach of contract and wrongful termination. Obtained a complete defense victory after a three-day arbitration.
