Real estate law firm that wrote the book on California real property law names new editor-in-chief.
Walnut Creek, Calif., (June 27, 2008) LAWFUEL – Miller Starr Regalia, a leading California real estate law firm, announced today that on July 1, 2008, shareholder Karl Geier will assume the role of editor-in-chief of Miller & Starr California Real Estate 3d, the preeminent real property law treatise in California. Geier will replace one of the firm’s founding partners, Ed Regalia, who is retiring from the position after having served as editor-in-chief since 2000.
Miller Starr Regalia and its attorneys have been writing the Miller & Starr treatise since 1965. What once began as a single volume intended primarily for brokers has grown to a 14 volume treatise that covers virtually every subject related to real property law. Today, the Miller & Starr California Real Estate 3d is the most widely used and judicially recognized real estate treatise in California. California judges cite the book frequently. Between 2004 – 2006, the book was cited in 155 California Court of Appeal decisions and nine times in opinions by the California Supreme Court.
Geier, whose legal career with Miller Starr Regalia began as a summer law clerk 31 years ago, currently authors five chapters of the book, including chapters on subdivided lands, usury and dedication. As the new editor-in-chief, he will also continue his transactional law practice, which focuses on all aspects of land development and finance.
“Ed Regalia has been an extraordinary force in overseeing the continual expansion and improvement of the Book. His contribution has been the key to its success,” said Gene Miller, Chairman of Miller Starr Regalia. “Karl Geier is the right person to take on the role of editor-in-chief. He has the necessary academic background, legal experience and leadership capability to ensure the continuity and integrity of the Book.”
“The firm’s association with the preeminent authority on California real estate law is what drew me to Miller Starr Regalia in the first place,” said Geier. “I have always considered the book as an integral part of the firm’s culture and practice. As editor, my primary objective will be to uphold the book’s status as an authoritative and comprehensive treatise on California real property law. I am looking forward to working with the firm’s talented team of attorneys and staff to accomplish this goal.”
Geier earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and his JD from the Boalt Hall School of Law at University of California, Berkeley. He is a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Urban, State and Local Government Law sections of the American Bar Association and of the Real Estate and Business Law sections of the California State Bar.
Regalia expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and work of various firm members in accomplishing the goals of expansion and improvement of the treatise during the eight years of his role as editor-in-chief. “But,” he said, “time marches on, and Karl Geier, as a lawyer and scholar, is the right person to take over command of the Book Project, as it is called in firm parlance.” Regalia will remain on as Of Counsel to the firm, but will devote part of his time to teaching at U.C. Berkeley School of Law, as well as maintaining his practice as a mediator.
