Lawyer Is Named to State’s Top Real Estate Post

A Beverly Hills real estate lawyer, Paula R. Zinnemann, has been appointed by Gov. Gray Davis to the post of California real estate commissioner.

As commissioner, Zinnemann, 63, will lead the state Department of Real Estate, which is charged with enforcing real estate laws and subdivided land law.

The department also oversees the licensing, discipline and continuing education of real estate brokers, agents and mortgage brokers. The agency has an annual budget of $28 million and 305 employees who work from four offices.

“I’m still trying to get used to the idea that I got the appointment,” said Zinnemann, whose selection requires state Senate confirmation. She will earn a salary of $112,870.

Zinnemann has practiced real estate law with Schwartz, Wisot & Wilson since 1994 and was vice president and general counsel of John Aaroe and Associates real estate brokerage from 1994 to 1996.

She also has served as president of Real Estate Mediation and Arbitration Inc. and was president of the Beverly Hills Board of Realtors in 1984.

Zinnemann earned her law degree from University of West Los Angeles School of Law.

The California Assn. of Realtors estimates that California is home to nearly 300,000 real estate brokers and sales people.

“As an attorney with a lengthy background in real estate activities . . . Ms. Zinnemann will bring a unique slate of experience to her role as DRE commissioner,” said Diana Bull, president of the California Assn. of Realtors.

The Realtors association had supported a different candidate, Patricia Neal, for the post. Neal, who is the broker for Pat Neal Associates in Huntington Beach, an independent general brokerage office, served as the trade group’s president in 1994 and is a director of the National Assn. of Realtors.