Skip to Content

Alison R. Pappas

Partner

With over two decades of extensive experience handling a diverse array of commercial real estate transactions, Alison Pappas has established herself as a trusted authority in the field.  She has a proven track record in negotiating and overseeing complex transactions, including leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and financings.  Her expertise spans a wide range of property types, with a particular focus on the intricate leasing of office, life science, retail, and mixed-use projects.  As a core member of CGS3's Complex Transactions Practice Group, Alison plays a pivotal role in managing and facilitating high-stakes real estate deals that require sophisticated legal strategies and insights.

An exceptionally talented and insightful real estate attorney, Alison brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Managing Director and General Counsel of The EMMES Group of Companies, a prominent privately-owned real estate investor-operator.  In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing all legal and compliance functions within the firm.  She also managed the leasing operations of EMMES's nationwide portfolio of high-rise office properties, contributing to the firm's strategic growth and operational efficiency.  Alison’s leadership in this role extended beyond real estate transactions, as she provided invaluable guidance on corporate governance, compliance, litigation management, and the drafting of complex contracts.  Additionally, her deep expertise in distressed asset management and her ability to navigate senior management and board directors through post-reorganization processes were key to the company’s success during critical transitions.

Before her tenure at EMMES, Alison served as General Counsel for EVOQ Properties, where she led the company’s legal department and played a central role in shaping its real estate and corporate strategies.  Her career also includes notable experience as a real estate attorney at Paul Hastings, one of the leading global law firms, where she represented a wide range of clients in real estate and corporate transactions.  Over the years, she has developed a reputation for her sharp legal acumen, ability to handle complex and high-value transactions, and her pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

Alison’s multifaceted experience in real estate law, combined with her comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, compliance, and litigation, positions her as a strategic partner for businesses navigating the complexities of commercial real estate transactions.  Whether negotiating a high-profile lease agreement or guiding an organization through a post-reorganization phase, Alison brings unparalleled insight and expertise to every aspect of her practice.

Notable Deals/Cases

  • Represent a global private real estate investment and management firm based in New York and California, specializing in innovative real estate solutions, as a general counsel role advising in multi-faceted legal real estate issues.
  • Represent a global cybersecurity company as tenant in the relocation and leasing of a full floor lease in downtown San Diego.
  • Represent tenant, a San Diego based science, technology & engineering firm, in 92,477 sq ft corporate headquarters and 75,000 RSF R&D uses in Sorrento Mesa area.
  • Represent landlord, a global leader in cybersecurity, in an extension and expansion amendment of 75,000 square feet of office space.

Accolades

  • Recipient, “Best Lawyers – Real Estate Law” Best Lawyers in America (2025-2026)

Education

  • J.D., Loyola School of Law
  • B.A., University of California, Los Angeles

Bar Admissions

  • California
Alison R. Pappas