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Emergency Info: Campus Access Permitted – Update #16 Updated at Dec. 12, 7:21 p.m.

Palmer Center Adds Real Estate Law Research Class

The Pepperdine Caruso Law Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law recently added a new real estate law class to its curriculum. The Role of Law in Real Estate Investment is much more than a new course. Each semester, students will have the opportunity to learn about and research a number of metrics throughout different markets. The data and narratives will result in a collaborative and comprehensive publication that will be of value to institutional and large-scale real estate investors, including detailed market analysis for each state and a 50-state ranking for investment. This is the first publication of its kind at Pepperdine and in the real estate market.

Throughout our development of the final publication, students will provide brief articles regarding particular areas of interest in real estate. The first four articles will be published by the following students and authors who were involved in our inaugural semester at Caruso School of Law and played an integral part in launching the initiative.

Breck Gallini is a second-year JD candidate at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.  In addition to his vigorous studies, Breck is pursuing a certificate with the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law. Breck is an alumnus of Pepperdine University, and brings a wealth of knowledge to this publication through his experience in the real estate and construction industries before attending law school.  Although a variety of opportunities inevitably arise while in law school, he hopes that real estate will continue to play a part in his career moving forward.

Adam Manaa is a second-year JD candidate at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.  Adam is a staff member of Pepperdine Law Review and was awarded the prestigious recognition of Best Case Note in 2021.  Adam is also a Dean’s Merit Scholarship Recipient and enjoys scholarly research.  Adam discovered his interest in real estate while attending law school and looks forward to continuing to learn more about real estate law as a career. 

Niyati Patel is a second-year JD candidate at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, and is pursuing a certificate at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. Niyati's professional background lies within the media and technology industry, including policy enforcement management at Facebook. Niyati's family works within the real estate and hospitality industry, which has inspired her interest in learning more about real estate law and transactions.

Lindsey Smith is a second-year JD candidate from Fort Worth, Texas.  While working at Bloomfield Homes, one of the largest home builders in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Lindsey gained knowledge and experience in the real estate industry.  She worked as a marketing intern, managing home listings in MLS and working to improve the company website. During the summer of 2021, Lindsey returned to Bloomfield Homes as a legal intern and had the opportunity to directly assist in-house counsel with various contractual matters including land sale/purchase agreements and homeowners association documents. Lindsey also conducted extensive research related to various lawsuits, including an alleged breach of contract action and a dispute involving premises liability. Lindsey’s father is a custom home builder, so she has always had a natural interest in real estate.