Elizabeth Hurwitz formed a passion for real estate law during a law school internship with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, working in its Fair Housing Office. Since that time, she has focused her energies on this area of the law, advocating for tenants, landlords, property managers, property owners, HOA members, condo owners, neighbors, and administrative and government agencies.

Prior to law school, Elizabeth served in the U.S. Navy and the California Army National Guard. Believing that a life spent in service is a life with meaning, Elizabeth now brings her integrity and passion for justice to bear for her clients, helping them to achieve the best possible outcomes in litigation and dispute resolution.

Elizabeth is well-versed in unlawful detainers, partition actions, quiet title actions, HOA disputes, arbitration, mediation and settlement conferences, appeals, and advising her clients on the evolving world of property law. Prior to joining Ad Astra, she worked for the San Francisco Housing Authority and a boutique real property law firm in San Francisco.

Up to date on the most recent changes in real estate law taking place on the local, state, and national levels, Elizabeth provides her clients with accurate and timely advice, allowing them to act confidently with respect to their property.

As a Bay Area native, she understands the unique challenges and opportunities present in property ownership here. Her desire to keep learning and honing her craft make her an ideal advocate and a respected counselor.

Admissions
State Bar of California
United States District Court for the Northern District of California
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Education
J.D., University of San Francisco, School of Law, 2011
B.A., English Literature, University of California, Berkeley, 2008

 

Elizabeth is extensively versed in all aspects of litigation, from initial interviews and demand letters to pleading, discovery, settlement and trial preparation. She has represented almost every player in real estate disputes, from tenants to property owners, from neighbors and HOA co-owners to landlords, professional property managers and realtors. She helps her clients navigate administrative processes, litigation and dispute resolution in a variety of forums.

Elizabeth believes that strong writing is the cornerstone of effective advocacy and she works every day to increase the effectiveness of her work product. She spends a great deal of time drafting documents, including:

  • Demand letters;
  • Memorandum;
  • Escrow instructions;
  • Settlement agreements;
  • Appellate briefs;
  • Tenant buyouts and vacate agreements;
  • Residential leases;
  • Partnership agreements;
  • Service Agreements;
  • Company buy-out agreements;
  • HOA agreements; and,
  • CC&Rs.

While at the University of San Francisco, School of Law, she published an article in the USF Law Review (46 U.S.F. L. Rev. 249), served as a technical editor of the Maritime Law Journal and as a staff writer and copy editor of the USF student newspaper, The Forum. Elizabeth was awarded a Certificate in Business Law and was awarded the ABA-BNA Award for Excellence in the Study of Labor and Employment Law.

  1. What is your favorite book?

    The Caine Mutiny, by Herman Wouk
  2. If you could learn any skill, what would it be?

    How to fly a helicopter
  3. What is your favorite quote?

    “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca.