Areas of Practice
Precision counsel across the most demanding disciplines.
Four decades of experience in complex litigation, real estate transactions, and land use law — representing business entities, government agencies, and individuals throughout California.
01
Complex Litigation
Retained when the outcome cannot be left to chance.
Mr. Messina represents clients in high-stakes civil litigation involving real property disputes, corporate and real estate finance, contracts, business torts, and land use matters. With over 40 years of courtroom experience, he has been retained by business entities, government agencies, and individuals who require a litigator with both legal precision and firsthand knowledge of the real estate marketplace.
Representative Matters
- Real property disputes and title litigation
- Corporate and real estate finance disputes
- Contract enforcement and business torts
- Land use and entitlement litigation
- Government agency representation
02
Real Estate Transactions
Legal precision informed by firsthand experience as a broker and developer.
As both a licensed attorney and real estate broker, Mr. Messina provides comprehensive transactional counsel that goes beyond legal documentation. He represents clients in acquisitions, dispositions, financing, development agreements, commercial leases, and option purchase agreements. He is the author of 'California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line,' published in 2009.
Representative Matters
- Acquisitions and dispositions
- Commercial lease negotiation and drafting
- Real estate finance and loan documentation
- Development agreements
- Option purchase agreements
- Business organization and entity formation
03
Land Use & Development
Strategic guidance through California's complex regulatory framework.
Mr. Messina provides strategic guidance through entitlements, zoning, environmental review, and regulatory approvals. His experience as an active developer gives him a practical understanding of the challenges landowners and developers face — enabling counsel that is both legally sound and commercially viable. He has represented developers, landowners, and municipalities throughout Southern California.
Representative Matters
- Entitlements and zoning approvals
- Environmental review and CEQA compliance
- Regulatory permitting
- Development project counsel
- Municipal and government agency representation
- Tribal court matters
Recognized by the profession's most respected authorities.
AV Preeminent® Rating
Martindale-Hubbell — highest peer review rating
Avvo Rating 10.0
Top rated — Avvo Clients' Choice Award, 2013
Top Lawyers in California
The Legal Network, 2015
Southern California Top-Rated Lawyers
Los Angeles Times, multiple years from 2012
Inland Empire Top Lawyer
Inland Empire Magazine, since 2013
Top Lawyers in San Diego
San Diego Magazine, since 2013
Marquis Who's Who
Recognized for professional excellence in law
Discuss your matter with Mr. Messina.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how four decades of combined litigation, transactional, and development experience can serve your interests.