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Boswell

Derek Boswell

Partner

Boswell
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  • 415-773-7246
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Areas of Expertise

  • Real Estate
  • Commercial Leasing
  • Property Management
  • Overview
  • Experience
  • News

With nearly three decades of experience representing clients on real estate matters, John “Derek” Boswell brings practical insight, deep market knowledge and a client-first approach to every leasing transaction.

Derek’s hyper focus on commercial leasing matters has made him a go-to advisor for both institutional landlords and sophisticated tenants in California and across the country. Known for his efficiency, responsiveness and ability to get deals done, Derek combines legal skill with a keen understanding of market norms to help clients quickly bridge gaps and close transactions with confidence.

His experience in commercial leasing and corporate property management covers everything from high-rise office towers to biotech and life sciences campuses, warehouse and industrial facilities and R&D spaces. Clients rely on him not only for legal guidance but also for his market savvy and ability to move deals across the finish line efficiently and effectively.

At the height of the dot-com boom, Derek began his practice at Cooley LLP in the Silicon Valley, where he represented tech tenants on hundreds of leases throughout the Bay Area and beyond. He later joined Morrison & Foerster, where he gained high-level experience representing landlords as a partner in the Real Estate group. Derek brings this “big firm” deal experience to offer clients senior-level counsel and personalized service that fosters long-term relationships built on trust.

Education

University of California, Davis School of Law; J.D., 1997

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; B.A., business administration-finance, 1993

Bar Admissions

California

Accolades

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law, 2013 – present

Selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers, 2012-2021, 2024-2025

Experience

Derek provides counsel to many of the most active institutional landlords in California, including Starwood Capital, UBS Realty Investors, JP Morgan, Swift Real Estate, Jamestown, Skywalker Properties and Flynn Properties, among others.

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