Jonathan M. Kennedy

A consummate professional who delivered a flawless commercial lease negotiation

Our tech startup was navigating a high-stakes, multi-year lease for a new flagship office in San Francisco. The complexities were daunting, with numerous landlord-friendly clauses that could have crippled our operational flexibility. From our first consultation, Jonathan Kennedy demonstrated why he is so highly regarded in Bay Area real estate law. His Harvard-honed analytical skills were immediately apparent as he dissected the 80-page document, identifying risks we had completely overlooked. With 15 years of nuanced experience, he didn't just point out problems; he crafted strategic, commercially viable solutions that protected our interests while keeping the deal on track. His negotiation was masterful—firm, respectful, and incredibly effective. We secured critical concessions on expansion rights, operating cost caps, and termination options that our previous counsel had deemed unattainable. The recognition he has received, including being named Lawyer of the Year, is clearly well-earned. Jonathan and the team at Shartsis Friese provided more than legal advice; they were genuine partners in a transaction vital to our company's future. The outcome was perfect, and I recommend him without reservation to any business facing a complex real estate matter.