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Susan K. Hori, Real Estate Attorney in Costa Mesa, California

focused on Real Estate and Zoning

Costa Mesa, CA

Trusted real estate attorney serving Costa Mesa.

2
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Susan K. Hori is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning.

Based in
Costa Mesa, CALIFORNIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Real Estate · Zoning
  • Handles Real Estate and Zoning matters from Costa Mesa, CALIFORNIA.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Orange County) (2024).

About Susan K. Hori: Susan K. Hori is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning.

Areas of practice

Susan's practice areas in Costa Mesa

Susan concentrates on real estate and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Real Estate cases in Costa Mesa, California

Susan takes real estate matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Costa Mesa, California

Susan takes zoning matters in Costa Mesa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Susan agrees to represent you.

Biography

Susan K. Hori, real estate attorney serving Costa Mesa

Susan K. Hori is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Real Estate and Zoning. Susan works from Costa Mesa, California and takes on real estate matters across the region.

Susan Hori's practice focuses on land use planning issues, including development entitlements and regulatory permits for real estate development projects and the resolution of environmental issues affecting real property. The hallmark of Susan's practice is her track record of success in navigating the complex process of multiagency permits and approvals. Her clients include landowners, financial institutions, developers and builders in the residential, retail, hotel/resort, and commercial and industrial development industries.

Susan represents clients on issues involving state and federal regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the California Coastal Act, Section 404 permitting under the Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act compliance and Endangered Species Act permitting, including work on habitat conservation plans.

Susan also serves as the administrative partner of Manatt's Orange County office and is a member of the real estate and land use practice groups and the firm's Board of Directors.

Susan has been repeatedly recognized as a "distinguished land use practitioner" by Chambers and Partners, has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2005, and has been named a Top 25 "Land Use Leader" by the Daily Journal.

Prior to entering private practice, Susan clerked for the Alaska Supreme Court and served as an attorney with the Solicitor's Office in the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., where she represented the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

How Susan handles real estate matters

Susan Hori's practice focuses on land use planning issues, including development entitlements and regulatory permits for real estate development projects and the resolution of environmental issues affecting real property. The hallmark of Susan's practice is her track record of success in navigating the complex process of multiagency permits and approvals. Her clients include landowners, financial…

The kind of cases Susan takes

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate and zoning matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Susan studied and practices

  • University of California Berkeley

    J.D. · 1979

  • University of Washington

    B.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

  • California, The Stat

    ACTIVE

  • District of Columbia

    ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in University of California Berkeley and B.A. in University of Washington.

Law school and academic background

Susan completed J.D. in University of California Berkeley and B.A. in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Susan's legal honors and published work

Susan has received 20 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Orange County)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Orange County)

    2019

  • Lawyer of the Year — Real Estate Law (Orange County)

    2016

  • Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Development

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Land Use

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Master Planned Communities

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Municipal

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Planned Real Estate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Residential

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Subdivision

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax Certiorari

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Zoning

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Orange County) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Orange County) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Real Estate Law (Orange County) (2016). Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026).

Locations

Susan K. Hori's office in Costa Mesa

Susan's primary office is at 695 Town Center Drive, 14th Floor, Costa Mesa, California, 92626. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

695 Town Center Drive, 14th Floor

Costa Mesa, California 92626

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan K. Hori

Susan has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Susan K. Hori — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Susan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Susan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Costa Mesa, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Susan

Susan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every real estate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Susan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Susan K. Hori

  • How much does it cost to hire Susan for a real estate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Susan offer a free consultation?

    Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.

  • How long do real estate cases in California typically take?

    Simple real estate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?

    Susan is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Susan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Susan?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Susan accepting new real estate clients right now?

    Susan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Real Estate attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Susan handles real estate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Susan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Costa Mesa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.