LAWYER PROFILE
Patricia J Chen

Patricia J Chen

USA 2026

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 PC Law Group

Ranked in 1 practice area

Environment

California

19 years ranked

About

Provided by PC Law Group

Practice Areas

Environmental Law

Career

With over 25 years of experience in environmental law, training at a top-tier international law firm in Los Angeles (Norton Rose Fulbright, formerly Fulbright & Jaworski LLP), and an undergraduate degree in Applied Ecology (joint degree in environmental studies and biology), Ms. Chen understands the complexities of environmental issues and offers insightful solutions to her clients' legal needs. Indeed, Ms. Chen was recently elected in 2026 as a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) and is consistently recognized by Chambers USA as an exceptional Environmental Law practitioner in California due to her pragmatic approach and cost-effective strategies. Ms. Chen works with both private industry and public agency clients on environmental and land use issues including both litigation and transactional matters in the areas of land use, hazardous and solid waste, air quality, water quality, and water rights. She has litigated a number of complex California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Superfund (CERCLA), Clean Air Act (CAA), Proposition 65, and NPDES permit cases and provides regulatory compliance counseling to corporations and public agencies. Ms. Chen is also at the forefront of climate change issues involving sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions.

Professional Memberships

• American College of Environmental Lawyers (2026) - Elected as a fellow

• Chambers USA (2008-2026) – Ranked among the best Environmental Law practitioners in California

• Southern California Super Lawyer (Environmental Law), Los Angeles Magazine (2015-2017, 2022-26)

• California State Bar Environmental Section Executive Committee Member (2004-2007) and Adviser (2007-2014, 2015-2019)

Publications

• Southern California Gas Company v. South Coast Air Quality Management District, 200 Cal. App. 4th 251 (October 27, 2011)

• City of Irvine v. Southern California Association of Governments, 175 Cal. App. 4th 506 (June 30, 2009)

Education

University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings)

Juris Doctor

1995 - 1998

University of California at Irvine

Bachelors of Science (Applied Ecology)

1990 - 1994

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Environment - California

Band 2
Individual Editorial
Patricia Chen of PC Law Group is a respected practitioner who covers entitlement and contamination issues, as well as Proposition 65 compliance. She regularly represents local government bodies.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Patricia provides an extraordinarily high level of client services and demonstrates a level of sophistication. She provides exceptional representation while maintaining a human touch.

    EnvironmentChambers Guide to the USA

  • Patricia is very knowledgeable, experienced, goal-oriented, and a pleasure to work with.

    EnvironmentChambers Guide to the USA

  • Patricia is truly a gem in her field. She delivers top-notch service and excellent results through smart and practical strategies. She is an extremely adept communicator with both counsel and non-lawyers.

    EnvironmentChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at PC Law Group (1)

California

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