Selna Partners LLP - Oakland, CA
Selna Partners LLP is an Oakland-based real estate and land use boutique firm established in 2020 by veteran California attorneys Robert Selna and Steven Selna. Headquartered in the historic Howden Building on 17th Street, the firm counsels commercial developers, property investors, public agencies, and licensed businesses on complex real estate transactions, zoning entitlements, municipal code enforcement, and high-stakes commercial litigation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Strategic Real Estate, Land Use, and Litigation Counsel in Oakland
Founded in 2020 by brothers Robert Selna and Steven Selna, Selna Partners LLP delivers high-level legal advocacy combined with profound municipal and regulatory insight. Located in downtown Oakland, the firm represents commercial property owners, residential developers, institutional investors, and entrepreneurs across Northern California. When property developments face administrative hurdles, environmental compliance challenges, or contested ownership disputes, retaining a skilled real estate lawyer or an experienced business litigation lawyer is paramount. Selna Partners LLP unites practical transactional guidance with aggressive trial advocacy to advance client interests at city hall, administrative hearing boards, and state and federal courtrooms.
California Land Use, Zoning Entitlements, and CEQA Compliance
Securing project approvals in California demands an intricate understanding of municipal zoning laws, community dynamics, and environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Selna Partners guides clients through every phase of the entitlement process, transforming development concepts into fully permitted realities.
- Municipal permitting and entitlements: Securing conditional use permits, zoning variances, building permits, general plan amendments, and subdivision map approvals before city councils and planning commissions.
- Environmental review and CEQA: Advising project sponsors on environmental impact reports, negative declarations, and statutory exemptions while mitigating potential litigation exposure.
- Code enforcement defense: Defending commercial and residential property owners against municipal citations, notices of violation, stop-work orders, and administrative penalty hearings.
- Regulated industry licensing: Assisting specialized operators, logistics firms, alcohol distributors, and licensed cannabis businesses in securing operational permits, state licensing, and ongoing local compliance.
Commercial Real Estate Transactions and Contract Advisory
In addition to municipal advocacy, Selna Partners acts as trusted contract lawyers handling diverse property transactions. Whether clients need to hire a real estate attorney for complex property acquisitions or negotiate commercial lease agreements, the firm delivers detailed risk mitigation and forward-thinking contract structures.
- Drafting and negotiating commercial real estate purchase and sale agreements, escrow instructions, and closing documents.
- Structuring commercial real estate leases, ground leases, and tenant improvement work letters for office, retail, and industrial properties.
- Resolving title defects, negotiating access easements, resolving boundary line controversies, and structuring lot line adjustments.
- Structuring business formation entities, joint ventures, and limited liability companies for real estate syndications and private investment groups.
Decisive Business and Real Estate Litigation
When negotiations stall or contractual agreements collapse, Selna Partners LLP brings formidable courtroom capability to resolve disputes efficiently. The firm represents plaintiffs and defendants in commercial real estate litigation, breach of contract actions, partnership disputes, commercial landlord-tenant conflicts, and property title claims. By maintaining a sharp focus on business objectives, their litigators craft targeted strategies designed to achieve favorable settlements or prevail at trial. When you need to consult a real estate lawyer in Oakland or find a business litigation attorney who understands both courtroom tactics and municipal regulatory politics, Selna Partners LLP delivers proven, cost-effective representation.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the historic and vibrant Uptown Oakland district, just a short walk from Lake Merritt.
Building Location
This is a historic Art Deco commercial building known as the Howden Building, featuring elaborate ceramic tile and terra cotta work. It is situated close to El Chilar and Pho 84.
Parking Details
Basement parking is available within the building for monthly contract holders, and visitors can find nearby public parking at the 1800 Harrison Garage or other fee-based surface parking lots.
Public Transit
Served by Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Route 12 (Downtown Oakland / Berkeley); nearest stop is at Broadway & 17th Street.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter the historic Howden Building through the beautifully framed tile entryway on 17th Street. The office is located in Suite 100 on the first floor.