Miller Barondess partner Dan Miller has been recognized as a Commercial Real Estate “Visionary” in the October 2025 edition of BUSINESS magazine, published by L.A. Times Studios. A leading litigator in complex real estate disputes, Dan was also named a 2025 Top Real Estate & Development Lawyer in California by the Daily Journal. He is widely sought after by banks, developers, investors, and other industry stakeholders to handle high-stakes matters involving major developments, distressed projects, and real estate-related fraud.
Dan’s accomplishments highlight his reputation for strategic litigation and exceptional client outcomes. He represented the Horn Trust, majority owner of four commercial properties valued at over $100 million, in a high-stakes dispute with a minority owner accused of embezzling $8 million. Spanning multiple lawsuits, counterclaims, an anti-SLAPP appeal, and a pandemic-delayed trial, the matter concluded with a favorable settlement granting the client full management control, removal of an unfavorable buy-sell clause, and a monetary recovery.
Dan represented ER Group, a leading real estate investment firm with substantial U.S. and Mexico holdings, in a groundbreaking lawsuit against defunct developer Laurus. After uncovering widespread financial misconduct, Dan pursued claims against Laurus as well as a Big Five accounting firm and a major consulting firm implicated in the fraud. The case and related New York litigation—seeking recovery of an $11 million investment tied to the high-profile HHLA commercial property in Los Angeles—both resolved through confidential settlements. Acting swiftly, Dan filed suit before competing claims could deplete available assets, securing a first-mover advantage to protect his client’s interests.
Amid the financial crisis, Dan represented a developer facing foreclosure on a large condominium project after loan-related sales requirements went unmet. Despite an apparent breach, he obtained a preliminary injunction by successfully arguing impossibility of performance due to the unprecedented market collapse. The case drew significant media attention for its impact on real estate and contract law during the crisis.
Applying similar principles during the pandemic, Dan represented a client seeking to rescind a purchase agreement for a commercial property with gym and retail components. He successfully argued that the pandemic constituted a material adverse change under the agreement, resulting in a confidential settlement that shielded the client from major financial exposure.
Dan also represented Cathay Bank in a high-profile dispute with a real estate developer alleging breach of contract and fraud based on an alleged oral agreement with the bank’s CEO. Dan counterclaimed for breach of a personal loan agreement and prevailed on two separate summary judgment motions, resulting in dismissal of all claims and an award of $1.5 million in interest and attorneys’ fees for the bank. The developer’s petition to vacate the arbitration award was denied, affirming the victory.