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What the team is known for Core regulatory practice with a bench experienced in dealing with environmental agencies. Acknowledged for its strength in regulation, policymaking and project development. Offers top-quality expertise in land use permitting, as well as in hazardous material and air quality matters. Has specialist knowledge of wildlife law surrounding renewable energy projects. Also highly recommended for brownfield transactions and climate change issues.
Strengths Clients say: "It's hard to imagine a stronger and broader team. Its principal strengths lie in substantive expertise, excellent service and a good understanding of our business."
Other clients say they "have a great environmental practice in San Francisco staffed with several really strong environmental lawyers."
Work highlights Represented Oakland Athletics in seeking entitlements, permits and other approvals required for the development of a new baseball stadium and surrounding mixed-use development adjacent to the Oakland Estuary.
Notable practitioners
Christopher Carr is a "is highly knowledgeable of environmental law," according to clients. He handles environmental permitting proceedings for energy and projects companies, regularly defending clients in project approval disputes and other challenges.
Deborah Schmall is praised by clients for her "expertise in environmental remediation and hazardous substances work," and they add: "She’s detail-orientated, incredibly intelligent and terrific when negotiating a settlement."She also has significant experience in brownfield redevelopment projects as well as other environmental regulations affecting construction projects. She is further noted for providing environmental support to large corporate transactions.
Gordon Hart advises a wide array of clients in environmental work ranging across permitting, transactional support and litigation. He is particularly noted for handling CEQA litigation and environmental remediation cases pertaining to real estate developments. Clients value his "ability to explain incredibly nuanced environmental risk," with others saying he offers "tremendous experience and is extremely knowledgeable."
Peter Weiner is noted by clients as "very professional, responsive and focused."His highly regarded environmental practice covers contaminated site cleanup, development and environmental law-related OSHA issues. He has especially extensive knowledge of environmental issues facing solar projects.