Simon Offord, Esq.

Senior Partner & Real Estate Attorney

Phone: (650) 327-2900 x19

Where others fail to recognize an opportunity or pitfall, Simon Offord is efficient and practical in securing favorable outcomes for his clients. With over a decade of experience practicing real estate law exclusively, attorney Simon Offord is the managing partner of the boutique law firm Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP. An expert communicator, Simon is meticulous in his ability to craft winning strategies for clients in a wide range of commercial and residential matters. Attorney Offord focuses his practice in the areas of easement & neighbor disputes, commercial real estate leasing & transaction issues, residential transactions & disputes, and agent & broker representation. Along with countless arbitrations and mediations, Simon has litigated cases in both state and federal courts, and has argued as lead counsel in both bench and jury trials.  Simon’s experience also includes appellate work in multiple trials he has prevailed in. He is also a licensed California real estate broker. This deep industry experience, combined with his legal adroitness, positions Simon to offer his clients representation that is pragmatic and strategic.   

Simon Offord has devoted his entire career to the practice of real estate law. Having reviewed and drafted thousands of pages of leases, purchase agreements, and CC&Rs, Simon can spot weaknesses, opportunities, and pitfalls with laser precision.  Simon’s focus is on assisting his clients in finding the best solution for their situation, balancing their budget, personal desires and the law. Every matter contains a unique set of facts, and Simon applies his keen legal and business expertise to identify the best possible result for his client. Current and former clients routinely praise Simon’s attention to detail and his clear communication about the status of their case and his genuine desire to obtain the best result possible for his clients. Whether it is a property line dispute, adverse possession case, partition action, failure to disclosure issue, or commercial lease preparation or dispute, clients can expect Simon to deliver an incisive case theory and transparent representation throughout the duration of the matter.  

The competitive nature of the California real estate market means that a single obstacle can be significant or detrimental. Simon Offord advises clients on how to best navigate around roadblocks, so they can protect and advance their interests. Simon has helped resolve issues that impact residential transactions, property line disputes, water intrusion & dry rot issues, improper liens, easement matters, including utility lines, access rights and views, new development construction defects, and HOA issues. Sometimes trial is necessary to accomplish the client’s objective; however, Simon is a talented negotiator, and often achieves successful resolution or settlement for his clients through mediation, arbitration, or negotiation. Simon is a PDSL, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and International Mediation Institute (IMI) qualified mediator. Simon’s extensive litigation background and knowledge of real estate law, coupled with his calm demeanor, make him an ideal mediator for real estate disputes of all kinds. 

As part owner and manager of a small business himself, Simon is particularly mindful of the challenges that California business owners face when it comes to commercial property. As such, Attorney Offord has considerable experience in transactions and leasing of commercial real estate. Simon has handled hundreds of lease and purchase matters for commercial clients of many sizes and industries, including restaurants, dental offices, apartment complexes, golf courses, retail storefronts, warehouses, and office buildings. Whether it is negotiating build-out provisions, conducting commercial unlawful detainer actions, or advising parties to a transaction, Attorney Offord has represented business owners, commercial tenants, investors, and developers in deals and leases worth in excess of $100 million.  

Prior to joining the firm, Simon was a clerk at a real estate law practice. He graduated with his juris doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2009, earning recognition on the Dean’s List. During his studies, he received several Witkin and CALI Awards, recognizing him as the top student in four of his classes. Before law school, Simon worked at a general litigation firm in Santa Barbara. Graduating from UC Santa Barbara, Simon is a proud Gaucho. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sports Management from UCSB in 2005.  

Throughout his career, Simon has developed strong relationships with the real estate community. An accomplished public speaker, he genuinely enjoys being in front of a room and educating his colleagues on real estate issues. Simon has provided continuing education course for other attorneys on several topics, and he is frequently sought out to speak for many of the Bay Area real estate organizations. These include the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®, the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®, and the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®, as well as several local brokerages. Attorney Offord has presented over 100 speaking engagements on an array of real estate topics, ranging from disclosure best practices, understanding the typical real estate purchase agreements, and dispute resolution. Simon was also a featured guest on KGO Radio 810 over a dozen times to discuss real estate issues.  

In the past, Simon served on the SILVAR Board of Directors, and was also the chair of the SILVAR Affiliate Group for Menlo Park & Atherton in 2012 & 2013. He has also served as the chair of the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s Barrister’s Committee. Simon is an active member of SILVAR, SCCAOR and the Sierra North Valley REALTORS®. 

When he is not at work, Simon enjoys spending his free time running and hiking with his rescue dogs. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys traveling and exploring the beaches and mountains of California. Simon is also a craft beer afficionado, who maintains a popular blog and Instagram account about delicious, hoppy IPAs. 

 

Doctor of Law (2009)

Santa Clara University School of Law — Santa Clara, California


Bachelor of Arts (2005)

University of California, Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, California