Manatt Expands Real Estate Group with Michael Polentz in Palo Alto

PALO ALTO AND LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2007 - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, the national law and consulting firm, announced today that Michael Polentz has joined the firm as a partner in the Real Estate and Land Use practice group, and will be located in the Palo Alto office.  He makes the move from Miller Starr Regalia.  The addition of Mr. Polentz is significant as it represents the continued expansion of Manatt's real estate and land use practice, and increases Manatt's presence in the Bay Area. 

"The addition of Michael and his depth of experience in leasing, construction, acquisitions and other real estate transactions will contribute to our division's strength and growth," said Keith Allen-Niesen, co-chair of Manatt's Real Estate and Land Use practice group.  "We are thrilled this extraordinary attorney has come on board at Manatt." 

"Michael will broaden our Palo Alto office's range of services to our clients," added David Herbst, administrative partner of the firm's Palo Alto office.  "We look forward to adding this superb lawyer to our team, and increasing our real estate capabilities."

Mr. Polentz focuses his practice on real estate transactions covering commercial leasing, acquisition, disposition, construction and development of properties representing buyers, sellers, contractors, developers and hospitality clients.  He also represents developers in land use, CEQA, redevelopment, zoning, subdivision, and other real estate development matters.  Mr. Polentz has a general business and commercial law practice, as well, and is involved in the formation and financing (debt and equity) of corporate entities, and counseling clients on corporate compliance issues and responsibility.  He received his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, and a B.A. from the University of San Diego. 

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, provides legal and consulting services to a global client base from offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Sacramento, California; New York City and Albany, New York; and Washington, D.C.  Manatt includes Manatt Health Solutions, a healthcare policy and strategic business advisory group, and ManattJones Global Strategies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary that develops and implements strategies to expand client businesses and facilitate their effective competition in global markets. For more information, visit www.manatt.com, www.manatthealthsolutions.com, and www.manattjones.com.