Environment
USA Guide 2024 : California
Band 2
Contact number
+1 213 622 5555About
Provided by Allen Matkins
Allen Matkins attorneys provide counsel regarding environmental litigation, regulatory compliance and transactional matters. We have deep expertise in the redevelopment of contaminated Brownfield sites, and in novel and complex Clean Water Act, CERCLA, Endangered Species Act issues, CEQA, NEPA and water rights issues. Our attorneys have handled cutting-edge environmental issues in federal trial and appellate courts.
Allen Matkins has a number of high-profile private sector clients (e.g. large Silicon Valley tech companies), major public entities (e.g. San Diego Unified Port District), large investor-owned utilities (e.g. California American Water and Pacific Gas and Electric Company), and major developers. We are able to resolve permitting and compliance matters expediently because of our strong relationships with government agencies built over many years.
We are or have been engaged in some of the largest, most complex multi-party groundwater and sediment contamination-related CERCLA litigation in California (e.g. San Diego Bay Shipyard Sediment Site) and represent clients on federal Superfund sites (e.g. New Idria Mercury Mine).
Allen Matkins assists clients with permitting large solar installations; the acquisition, permitting and redevelopment of historic properties, military bases, and landfills; and the development of major residential and commercial projects including all infrastructure associated with the creation of new towns (e.g. Tesoro Viejo).
Chambers Review
Allen Matkins maintains a strong reputation for the full range of environmental regulatory, transactional and dispute resolution work. Boasts a strong litigation team with significant experience in both trial and appeals, particularly in relation to CERCLA cases and contaminated sites. Frequently advises clientele on high-value projects and redevelopments requiring environmental due diligence. Has a wealth of experience in water rights and quality matters. Clients include Silicon Valley tech companies, major developers and public sector bodies.
Work Highlights
- Allen Matkins represented California American Water in litigation defending the company's proposed development of a $400 million water desalination project in Monterey County.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Allen Matkins is amazing. It has great understanding of complex and quickly changing laws and regulations."
"The attorneys we have worked with have been excellent on working through complex real estate and environmental permitting issues."
"Excellent communications and responsiveness."
"Allen Matkins is amazing. It has great understanding of complex and quickly changing laws and regulations."
"The attorneys we have worked with have been excellent on working through complex real estate and environmental permitting issues."
"Excellent communications and responsiveness."
Notable Practitioners
Sandi Nichols is the leader of the firm's environmental and natural resources practice group. She has wide-ranging experience of environmental litigation and remediation, administrative proceedings and compliance. She regularly leads clients through citizen suit cases.
"Sandi Nichols is very focused on getting to important issues. She is a good communicator."
"She's an excellent attorney."
Pamela Andes is particularly noted for lending environmental support to transactions in the real estate space. She regularly advises on site contamination, covering soil, groundwater and vapor issues.
"She's incredible, knows this area inside-out. She's an incredibly valuable adviser and has connections across the field, including in government."