From inception, SSL has embraced an innovative law firm model that has enabled us to provide extraordinary service to our clients at lower hourly rates. SSL was formed in 2001 by the members of the legal department of the former Spieker Properties (where Pamela Lakey was Vice President, Associate General Counsel), when Spieker Properties was merged into Equity Office Properties. Many of the firm's attorneys have worked in-house for Spieker Properties or other real estate development and finance companies and home builders, and for technology and hospitality companies, giving us particular insight into our clients' needs. Over the years, SSL has developed a strong and broad practice, with particular expertise in leasing.Since January 1, 2010, SSL substantially expanded the scope of legal services it offers its clients to include land use and environmental law. This expansion began with the addition of nearly half the attorneys and paralegals from the former Ellman, Burke, Hoffman & Johnson law firm, who brought with them sophisticated land use, development, environmental regulation and related litigation practices. Since then, our environmental practice has expanded to include all aspects of environmental regulation in California. SSL today has grown into a full service real estate firm offering a broad selection of real estate transactional services, as well as real estate litigation, land use and environmental expertise.