Practice Areas
Ernest E. Riffenburgh
Shareholder
Print PDFErnest Riffenburgh is a senior shareholder with extensive experience in the purchase, sale, leasing and subdivision of commercial, industrial real estate, and renewable energy. Mr. Riffenburgh also has extensive expertise in the resolution of title issues, including mapping, easements, licenses and property rights derived from government agencies. He is often called upon to analyze and resolve title issues on behalf of national retail, railroad, commercial and industrial development, and renewable energy clients. Mr. Riffenburgh’s in-depth knowledge and experience inform his approach to complex title issues and lead to innovative solutions not otherwise easily found.
Mr. Riffenburgh provides expert general counsel to businesses involved in complex transactions, including the stringent requirements for developers to achieve LEED® certification of their projects. His ability to address multiple complex issues in real estate transactions and development makes him a sought-after advisor to businesses which include recreational and resort developments, alternative energy facilities, and major multi-national retailers.
Mr. Riffenburgh brings the same drive to his community efforts that is apparent in his practice. During his Chairmanship of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the highly successful Southern California Aviation Summit was established to bring recognition to the Ontario Airport as a national transportation hub drawing attendees from throughout the western United States, including representatives from the airline industry, major metropolitan cities and agencies, as well as many well-known private enterprises. Also established during his Chairmanship was the Government Affairs Council, advocating to government entities on behalf of the business community.
Additional Areas of Practice
Real Estate Transactions
Real Estate Title
Renewable Energy
Education
- University of Southern California Law Center, J.D., 1982
- University of Southern California, B. S., Business 1979, Cum Laude
Bars
- California, 1983
- U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1983
Affiliations
- San Bernardino County Bar Association, 1983 - Present
- The State Bar of California, 1983 - Present
- American Bar Association, 1983 - Present
- Desert Valleys Builders Association, Member, 2009 - Present
- U.S. Green Building Council, Inland Empire Chapter, 2009 - Present
Board of Directors, Fall 2010 - Spring 2011
Pacific Regional Council Co-Liasion, Spring 2011
Coachella Valley Branch, Liasion, Fall 2010 - Ontario Chamber of Commerce, 1998 - 2008,
Board of Directors, Immediate Past-Chair, 2007 - 2008
Board of Directors, Chairman, 2006 - 2007
Board of Directors, Chair-Elect, 2005 - 2006
Vice Chair, Business Division, 2004 - 2005
Board of Directors, 2001 - 2008
Chair, Business Retention & Development Committee, 1999 - 2004 - Rotary Club of San Bernardino Crossroads, 1986 - 2000,
President, 1992 - 1993
Fundraising Chair, 1993 - 1994
Board of Directors, 1989 - 1997 - San Bernardino Executive Association, 1996 - 1997, Board of Directors
- Project Home Run, 1992 - 1995, Board of Directors
- Senior Citizens Foundation of San Bernardino, 1991 - 1994, Board of Directors
- Moscow Conference on Law and Bilateral Economic Cooperation, 1990, Delegate
- USC Legion Lex Inn of Court, 1985 - 1991
Executive Committee, 1988 - 1991
Honors
Selected for inclusion in the 2010, 2009 and 2008 Best Lawyers in the Inland Empire list, as published by INLAND EMPIRE MAGAZINE.
AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review. This is the maximum rating, denoting the lawyer as "pre-eminent and highly recommended".