Los Angeles REPE, Development, & Family Offices

I wanted to try and get a community list together of Los Angeles-area REPE firms, development shops, and worthwhile family offices to target for full time positions. I struck out in megafund/megadeveloper recruitment and need to hit the pavement networking, but given the state of the hiring market, I’m sure I’m not the only one. 
 

Any insights into which are the best places to work, which have terrible cultures, etc. is also appreciated. 

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights into Los Angeles-area REPE firms, development shops, and family offices:

REPE Firms:

  1. Oaktree Capital Management - Known for its expertise in distressed debt and a strong reputation.
  2. Ares Management - Prestigious and hires straight out of undergrad, though typically from top schools.
  3. Leonard Green & Partners - Highly regarded but keeps a small team, making it harder to break in.
  4. Platinum Equity - A well-known name in the PE space.
  5. Marlin Equity Partners - Another notable firm in the LA area.
  6. Aurora Capital Partners - A solid mid-market PE firm.
  7. Pacific Coast Capital Partners (PCCP) - Focused on real estate investments.

Development Shops:

  1. Hines - A top-tier developer with a strong reputation.
  2. Greystar - Known for its development and property management expertise.
  3. AvalonBay Communities - A major player in residential development.
  4. Kilroy Realty - Focused on office and mixed-use developments in the West Coast.
  5. Hudson Pacific Properties - Specializes in office and studio properties.

Family Offices:

  1. CIM Group - Operates like a hybrid between a family office and a REPE firm.
  2. Rexford Industrial - Focused on industrial real estate in Southern California.
  3. The Ratkovich Company - A family office with a focus on urban redevelopment.
  4. Caruso - Known for high-end retail and mixed-use developments.

Culture Insights:

  • Oaktree, Ares, and Leonard Green are highly prestigious but can be demanding in terms of hours and expectations.
  • Smaller firms and family offices may offer a better work-life balance but could have less structured training programs.
  • Development shops like Hines and Greystar are great for those with a passion for the creative and operational side of real estate.

If you're networking, focus on alumni connections, LinkedIn outreach, and attending local real estate events. Tailor your approach based on the firm's culture and your career goals. Good luck!

Sources: Career Advice: Family Office (RE Developer) --> MBA --> REPE, Private Equity firms in LA? Reputations, culture, compensation?, LA PE Firms Rep / Culture - LGP, Ares, Platinum Equity, Marlin Equity, What are some great and also good real estate firms that I should look into in southern California?, What are the Roles within Real Estate Private Equity?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
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I've heard CIM is pretty schweddy.

I interviewed for them back in the day, albeit on the other side of the country from OP. 
 

To date it was the only process I pulled myself out of as opposed to getting hired or declined. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 

What were the big red flags that turned you off?

The higher ups talking shit about each other mid interview and getting angry about each other unprompted over stupid shit like "who the real developer was." 

If that's the face they're showing to a random, I can't even imagine how toxic it is/was behind the scenes. 

My wife's friend ended up dating the guy who took the job for a while and turns out I was right. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

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