Ivo Keller

Partner

Ivo Keller is a trusted real estate litigator with a national bankruptcy practice, and a practical problem-solver who puts his clients’ needs first.

Ivo has experience in virtually all facets of real estate-related litigation for a long list of sophisticated clients. His trial and appellate experience and outstanding courtroom advocacy skills allow him to litigate cases to judgment. But he also has a practical, problem-solving orientation that has helped facilitate resolution of many high-value settlements.

Along with his litigation practice, Ivo represents creditors in bankruptcy cases nationwide. He has gained recognition as an expert on landlord-tenant issues under the United States Bankruptcy Code and has a wide range of experience in distressed asset situations in and outside of bankruptcy.

Ivo is also a leader in the San Francisco legal community, having served as President of multiple professional organizations, chaired a statewide conference of bankruptcy professionals, and counselled lawyers’ groups and businesses about litigation and bankruptcy issues all over California.

Real Estate Litigation:

One of Ivo’s greatest strengths is a broad base of experience in real estate matters. He has defended housing and hotel projects against challenges under the California Environmental Quality Act; represented Fortune 500 companies in eminent domain proceedings; prosecuted commercial landlord-tenant and loan default cases; and resolved disputes involving takings, boundary issues, HOA governance, easements, mechanic’s liens, and water rights. His litigation experience also informs his approach to other matters such as representation of developers seeking entitlements, buyers and lenders conducting due diligence, and property owners impacted by development on neighboring parcels. In all these settings, Ivo applies a practical approach that starts with a strong appreciation for his clients’ priorities and an understanding of his role as both advocate and advisor.

Bankruptcy and Distressed Assets:

Ivo is recognized nationally for his practice representing landlords and other creditors in bankruptcy proceedings nationwide. His experience includes large, complex cases such as Sanchez Energy, in which Ivo represented the owner of the debtor’s corporate headquarters; Sears, in which he represented three landlords holding nine separate properties; and WeWork, in which he represented multiple landlords and resolved a contentious dispute regarding failure to pay administrative rent. Ivo has also served as court-approved attorney for receivers, referees, and bankruptcy trustees, helping them analyze claims, resolve disputes, and win authorization to sell distressed assets.

UC College of Law, San Francisco; J.D., 2006 | University of California, Berkeley; B.A., 2003