Jonathan M. Deer is a seasoned litigator and business attorney with more than 30 years of experience guiding clients through high-stakes disputes and complex transactions. Recognized as both a Legal Visionary and one of the Leaders of Influence: Litigators & Trial Attorneys by the Los Angeles Times Business Journal, Jonathan is known for his ability to deliver practical solutions while vigorously advocating for his clients in court.
Jonathan brings a rare dual perspective: he is equally skilled in transactional matters and litigation. He has tried cases before state and federal courts, arbitrations, and mediations, while also structuring multimillion-dollar real estate and business deals.
Litigation Experience
Jonathan has successfully handled disputes involving real estate, business, insurance, contracts, partnerships, intellectual property, and fraud. His accomplishments include:
- Defending the owner of a $12 million commercial property against an ownership challenge and securing a $3.5 million counterclaim judgment.
- Recovering millions for clients defrauded in the sale of high-value life insurance policies and premium finance scams.
- Defending heirs in a post-death dispute over valuable real estate, vindicating their rights and family reputation, and obtaining a complete defense verdict after trial.
- Securing $2.3 million on behalf of a high-profile public figure in a fraudulent entertainment venture.
- Obtaining injunctions and judgments in trademark, real estate, and broker commission disputes.
- Obtaining $5 million jury verdict and judgment against high profile defendant in personal injury claim.
- Regularly resolving important high-stakes business disputes and thus avoiding the uncertainty and expense of trial.
Business and Real Estate Counsel
In addition to litigation, Jonathan advises clients on:
- Commercial real estate purchases, sales, and financing
- Business formation, governance, and operations
- Commercial leasing
- Corporate transactions and business financings
- Escrow services
His clients include or have included real estate developers, business owners, brokers, lenders, publicly traded companies, finance companies, entertainment ventures, branding and PR firms, internet and social media companies, as well as high-net-worth individuals, celebrities and public figures.
Background and Leadership
After clerking for the Honorable Ralph W. Nimmons of the Florida First District Court of Appeal, Jonathan moved to California where he began his career in-house with New Line Cinema and Trump Wilshire Associates. As in-house counsel, he negotiated complex real estate and entertainment transactions.He thereafter went into private practice, eventually joining his present partners who have all worked together for more than twenty years.
Jonathan earned his B.A., cum laude, from the University of South Florida in 1981, and his J.D., with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law in 1985, where he served on law review.
An active member of the legal community, Jonathan belongs to the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and the Litigation Section of the California Bar. He also moderates panels and produces legal education programs.