Sonia Lister

As President of Jackson Tidus and Chair of the Real Estate Group, Sonia Lister brings unparalleled leadership and expertise to complex real estate transactions. Her hands-on approach and strategic vision have shaped both her firm’s direction and countless successful deals across California. For over three decades, Sonia has masterfully guided clients through intricate real estate transactions, from sophisticated financing structures to large-scale development projects. Her practice spans the full spectrum of real estate law, with particular depth in:

• Complex financing transactions, including commercial mortgages, construction loans, land banking and mezzanine financing
• Strategic acquisitions and dispositions of major properties
• Joint venture structuring and negotiations
• High-stakes development and construction agreements
• Commercial leasing for retail, industrial, and office properties
• Distressed asset management and loan restructuring

What sets Sonia apart is not just her legal skills – it is her proven ability to see beyond immediate transactions to long-term strategic opportunities. She has built her reputation on delivering sophisticated solutions while maintaining the personalized attention typically associated with boutique firms.

Beyond her role as firm President, Sonia’s leadership extends deep into the community. As a 26-year board member and former President of HomeAid Orange County (the first woman to hold this position), she helped to spearhead the development of Orange County’s first emergency homeless shelter for families. The Family CareCenter opened in 2017, providing crucial support to 10-15 families daily. Sonia’s work with HomeAid’s Essentials program has helped collect millions of diapers and baby products for homeless mothers and their children year after year. With Sonia’s guidance and assistance, Jackson Tidus has provided thousands of pro bono hours and legal service to non-profits like HomeAid, Habitat for Humanity and Tara’s Chance.

This combination of high-level legal expertise and committed community leadership offers clients a partner who understands both the technical and human aspects of real estate law. Sonia’s dual role as firm President and Real Estate Group Chair ensures that clients receive not only top-tier legal representation but also benefit from her strategic insight and deep industry connections.