Shawn Zovod

Shawn’s practice focuses on sophisticated environmental and natural resources law and strategy, with deep experience in the Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and their California counterparts, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, California ESA, and Lake and Streambed Alteration program. She is well versed in the preparation of environmental documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Shawn advises clients on Environmental, Social, and Governance and climate-related reporting, including guidance to clients on the applicability of and compliance with California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (SB 261).

Shawn represents a diverse array of clients, including developers, local agencies, institutions, energy companies, public utilities, resource extraction companies, and other property owners in negotiations with federal and state regulators, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Office of Historic Preservation, and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. She has extensive experience with Section 7 consultations under the ESA, and in preparing and processing Incidental Harassment Authorizations, Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor Agreements, complex individual CWA permits, Nationwide Permit authorizations, Streambed Alteration Agreements, Special Area Management Plans, Historic Property Treatment Plans, NEPA and CEQA documents, conservation easements, and mitigation funding agreements.

Shawn has successfully represented clients throughout California and the western states in evaluating the suitability of properties for development, securing federal and state resource permits, complying with Tribal consultation requirements, implementing wetland and species permits and mitigation plans, and when necessary, resolving violations and securing after-the-fact permits. She also provides guidance to wetlands conservation organizations.

In addition to her legal practice, Shawn frequently authors articles on trends in natural resources law and speaks at professional conferences, sharing her insights with peers and industry leaders.