Victor De la Cruz

Practice Areas

Victor De la Cruz leads Manatt’s Land Use practice and has successfully guided his clients through complex matters at the intersection of law and government for nearly 20 years. He counsels developers, institutions, individuals, for-profit corporations and nonprofit organizations on high-profile real estate and land use matters.

Working with clients and consultant teams to craft legal, political and community outreach strategies, Victor has facilitated the approval and development of a wide variety of projects, many of which have played a prominent role in shaping the Southern California landscape. Among his projects are regional malls, transit-oriented developments, athletic arenas, university master plans, big-box stores, residential high-rises, large-scale signage projects and commercial office complexes.

Victor has substantial experience with CEQA, the Coastal Act, the Subdivision Map Act, historic preservation statutes and regulations, and other laws related to the development of land throughout the state.

Victor has served as the co-chair of the Housing, Land Use & Development Committee of the Central City Association of Los Angeles and currently serves on the board of directors of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Community Partners, the Mexican American Bar Foundation and Uncommon Good.

Professional Memberships

Admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Board of Directors, Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Board of Directors, Community Partners

Board of Directors, Mexican American Bar Foundation

Board of Directors, Uncommon Good

Co-Chair, Central City Association of Los Angeles, Housing, Land Use & Development Committee, 2016–18

Advisory Council, Miguel Contreras Foundation, 2015–18

Scholarship Committee, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund

Member, Westside Urban Forum

Member, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Land Use Committee

Member, Urban Land Institute

Board Member, Watts Village Theater Company, 2008–10

Commissioner, City of Los Angeles Relocation Appeals Board, 2006

Board Member, Southern California Planning Congress, 2004

Advisory Board Member, Mar Vista Family Center, 2004

Publications

Featured, “Leaders Of Influence: Minority Attorneys,” Los Angeles Business Journal, January 24, 2022.

Quoted, “Developer Mohamed Hadid facing criminal charges over Bel-Air mansion,” Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2015.

Quoted, “Developer Denied Extra Time to Bring Bel-Air Mansion Into Compliance,” Los Angeles Times, June 2, 2015.

Quoted, “Inspectors crack down on Bel-Air mansion for additional code violations,” Los Angeles Times, April 8, 2015.

Quoted, “L.A. council votes to oppose Live Nation running iconic Greek Theatre,” Los Angeles Times, February 11, 2015.

Quoted, “Either council choice on Greek Theatre operator has a political risk,” Los Angeles Times, February 9, 2015.

Quoted, “Council committee rejects panel’s advice to change Greek’s Operator,” Los Angeles Times, January 26, 2015.

Quoted, “Live Nation’s bid to run Greek Theatre gets parks panel’s backing,” Los Angeles Times, October 23, 2014.

Quoted, “L.A. parks commission fails to decide on Greek Theatre operator,” Los Angeles Times, October 9, 2014.

Quoted, “Neighbors alarmed as entertainment titans battle to run Greek Theatre,” Los Angeles Times, October 1, 2014.

Quoted, “L.A. revokes construction permits for hilltop house in Bel-Air,” Los Angeles Times, September 10, 2014.

Quoted, “A real Hollywood flop,” Los Angeles Times, March 28, 2013.

Interviewed, “Ferrari With a View,” KCET, March 25, 2010.

Quoted, “Ferrari owner’s dream garage grinds neighbors’ gears,” Los Angeles Times, February 4, 2010.