Overview
Erik Jennings is a skilled real estate attorney who specializes in complex, large-scale transactions. With a strong background in commercial lease agreements, he has negotiated deals for office, retail, and industrial properties across Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and California. His experience also extends to advising clients on commercial property acquisitions, dispositions, development, and real estate finance, making him a trusted resource in the industry.
Additionally, Erik regularly advises clients on evolving state and local legislation, helping them navigate compliance matters related to building performance, emissions standards, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
Beyond traditional real estate transactions, Erik has a deep commitment to affordable housing and community development. He has represented public funders, housing authorities, and developers in the acquisition, rehabilitation, and operation of multifamily housing projects financed through tax-exempt bonds and federal tax credits.
Erik is a dedicated educator, passionate about the intersection of real estate and climate solutions. He teaches courses on the commercial real estate industry at the University of Washington's College of Built Environments in the Runstad Department of Real Estate. Through his teaching and advocacy, he strives to educate industry professionals on clean building standards and the opportunities they present for sustainable development.
Education
William & Mary Law School, J.D., 2009
University of Washington, B.A., History, 2005
Admissions
Washington
California
Experience
- Represented nonprofit tenant in the lease for a custom build innovation center designed for Living Future certification.
- Represented seller in disposition of a $35 million retail complex in Yorba Linda, California.
- Represented public university in the grounding leasing of four student housing complexes to national developer.
- Represented public university in the ground lease of student housing facility to a national developer for redevelopment.
- Represented borrowers as local Washington counsel in connection with multiple affordable and market rate multifamily acquisitions.
- Represented real estate developer in full building lease to a public university in Santa Barbara, California.
- Represented real estate investor in long term lease of a medical office building in Tarzana, California.
- Represented real estate investor in the $52.5 million acquisition and financing of a 235,000-square-foot office building in Bellevue, Washington.
- Represented a technology company in the leasing and acquisition of existing buildings and land for development nationwide.
Insights
Insights & Presentations
- “Leases: A Critical Tool for Clean Buildings Act Compliance” MRSC, November 2024
- “Is Your Lease An Obstacle To Building Performance Requirements and ESG Goals?” Stok, June 21, 2023
- “Commercial Buildings: Compliance with the State Clean Building Standard and City of Seattle Proposed Building Performance Standard, Energy Code, Financing and Leasing,” Building Owners and Managers Association Seattle-King County, March 2023
- “Energy Efficiency Mandates and Impacts to Leases for Existing Buildings: How Practitioners Can Proactively Manage a Changing Landscape,” Real Property, Probate & Trust Section of the Washington Bar Association, July 2020
Affiliations
Professional
- Building Owners and Managers Association Seattle-King County, Board of Directors, 2024–present
- University of Washington, Department of Real Estate, affiliate instructor, 2021–present
Civic
- Eviction Defense Collaborative, volunteer attorney, 2010
- Human Rights Campaign, membership committee co-chair/steering committee member, 2005–2006