Kara L. DiBiasio

Kara L. DiBiasio

Kara DiBiasio is an accomplished trial lawyer, specializing in real estate, CEQA litigation, and eminent domain.  Kara handles all types of real estate litigation, including common area disputes for residential, commercial and retail properties, enforcement of ECR, CC&R, and other restrictive covenants, disputes regarding development agreements, leases, purchase and sale agreements, and other breach of contract claims.  Kara’s practice also encompasses commercial matters, including partnership and contract disputes.

Kara has represented Fortune 500 companies, business owners, property owners, retailers, public utilities, public entities, private individuals, landlords and tenants in matters involving shopping centers, mixed use projects, industrial properties, residential properties, and master plan communities.

Kara has successfully resolved cases for her clients through jury trials, motion practice, and settlement including mediation.  Kara handles all aspects of litigation, including pre-lawsuit counseling, initial investigation, development and execution of strategic discovery plans, handling of complex e-discovery matters, and through depositions, motion practice, settlement discussions, ADR, trial preparation, and trial.

Kara earned her J.D. from UC Davis, where she was a member of the Negotiations Honors Board, Moot Court Board, and winner of the 43rd Annual Neumiller Moot Court Competition.  Kara graduated as a member of the Order of the Barristers for excellence in oral advocacy.  During law school, Kara interned at the California Department of Justice in the Office of the Attorney General working in the Appeals, Writs and Trials division.

Kara has continued her commitment to her alma mater as an Adjunct Professor at UC Davis, King Hall School of Law.  Kara teaches law students practical skills they will use throughout their legal careers, including negotiation strategies and effective client interviewing and counseling.

Kara earned her B.A. from California State University, Chico, where she studied political science and graduated summa cum laude.  While studying at Chico State, Kara worked in a legal clinic, where she provided legal assistance to tenants and landlords in matters including habitability issues and unlawful detainers.

  • Second chaired jury trial between major retailer and developer involving disputes over proposed further development in a power shopping center to intensify uses, and in defense of claims over use of common areas. Successfully obtained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction based on evidence of impacts to visibility, parking, and access. In the middle of jury trial, opposing party abandoned all claims and agreed not to pursue further development or alterations.
  • First chaired a court trial to successfully obtain restraining orders and an award of attorneys’ fees to protect business interests of a Fortune 500 Company client.
  • Represented public utility in eminent domain actions to acquire easements for gas transmission lines.
  • Represented public entity in eminent domain action to acquire fee interests, easements, temporary construction easements, and other associated rights for bridge expansion project.
  • Represented private landowners and a residential subdivision developer in litigation with neighboring homeowners’ association over entitlement to road and utility access through HOA to a main highway, requiring interpretation of aged development agreement and CEQA documentation. Obtained settlement establishing easements for all required access and recompense for millions of dollars in damages caused by delay.
  • Obtained favorable outcome for Fortune 500 retailer in dispute over common area use in a shopping center. Settlement included resolution of uncertainties regarding ECR and lease provisions, providing clarity to both parties on use and maintenance of common areas.

  • J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law
  • B.A., summa cum laude, California State University, Chico
  • California State Bar
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of California
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of California
  • Commercial Real Estate Women San Francisco (Crew SF)