DLA Piper Expands Los Angeles Real Estate Practice with Devan Popat

DLA Piper, a leading global law firm, has announced the expansion of its Real Estate practice with the addition of Devan Popat as a Partner in its Los Angeles office. This strategic move, revealed on July 28, 2025, aims to enhance the firm's capabilities in real estate transactions, joint ventures, and complex development projects across California and beyond.

Popat brings a wealth of experience to DLA Piper, having advised on a diverse array of real estate transactions. His expertise covers all stages of complex development, from acquisition and entitlement to equity and debt financing, as well as construction and stabilization phases. He has represented various clients, including lenders such as debt funds and insurance companies, in numerous real estate finance transactions, encompassing mortgage, construction, and mezzanine loans.

Notably, Popat previously served as lead counsel for a real estate investment firm in a joint venture valued at $250 million with a South Korean investment management firm, aimed at acquiring student housing properties. Additionally, he represented a real estate debt fund in the origination of several mortgage and mezzanine loans, demonstrating his proficiency in navigating complex financial structures.

Bryan Connolly, the US Chair of DLA Piper’s Real Estate practice, expressed confidence in Popat’s capabilities, stating, “With a sophisticated practice that includes both equity and credit transactions and assets located throughout the US, Devan is a perfect fit for our global real estate platform.” Connolly emphasized that Popat's addition would significantly enhance the firm's ability to provide top-tier service to clients investing in California and across the nation.

Jerry Neuman, head of DLA Piper’s California Real Estate practice, also recognized Popat's reputation in the field, noting that his expertise would deliver substantial value to clients in California and the broader US market.

This addition aligns with DLA Piper’s ongoing commitment to grow its Real Estate practice. In recent months, the firm has welcomed several other notable partners to its real estate team, including Todd Eisner, Ryan Hanofee, Lewis Goss II, and Warren Seay, Jr. With over 200 lawyers dedicated to the US real estate sector and more than 500 globally, DLA Piper boasts a market-leading Real Estate practice that offers comprehensive services ranging from acquisitions and sales to financing and development.

The firm represents some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated real estate investors, owners, developers, and lenders, underscoring its prominent position in the legal landscape of real estate transactions. As the market continues to evolve, the integration of experienced professionals like Devan Popat is expected to further solidify DLA Piper's leadership in the sector, facilitating high-stakes deals and complex real estate projects for clients nationwide.

In conclusion, the strategic recruitment of Devan Popat reflects DLA Piper’s dedication to enhancing its service offerings in the competitive real estate market. With a robust team and diverse expertise, the firm is poised to navigate the complexities of real estate law, providing invaluable assistance to investors and developers as they pursue ambitious projects in California and beyond.