El Centro Environmental Lawyers

Michael P. Thornton is founder and chair of Thornton Law Firm LLP. A nationally recognized expert on toxic tort litigation, Mr. Thornton graduated from Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt Law School. In the 1970’s he successfully undertook the representation of a number of shipyard and construction workers who had developed asbestos-related diseases. Over the years, the firm has grown to become the largest firm in the Northeast representing victims of asbestos and other toxic materials. The firm has brought justice to workers who contracted cancer and other health issues from exposure to chemicals, defective drugs, and defective products, and to...

Diane Park specializes in estate and trust administration, as well as estate, trust and conservatorship litigation. In administrative matters, Diane is respectful of her clients’ grief, helping them navigate the many decisions that ultimately bring them peace-of-mind. In litigation matters, she is sensitive to the stressful nature of disputes in general, maintaining focus on achieving resolution as quickly as possible. With a background in civil litigation, Diane is well-versed in the litigation process, contributing to her efficiency.

Diane is on the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. In this capacity, she collaborates...

Lara Leitner handles legal matters involving CEQA, NEPA, RLUIPA, environmental law, and litigation.

Prior to joining JMBM, Lara was an associate at a municipal law firm where she represented numerous cities and special districts in complex litigation matters, including real estate, eminent domain, breach of contract, environmental, water, and employment cases in both state and federal court.

Lara received her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. She served as the Comments Editor for the UCLA Journal of Environmental Law & Policy. During law school, Lara developed her land use and environmental law experience as a legal research...

Mr. Donadio was raised in Concord, Massachusetts, where he graduated in the top 10% of his high school class. In 1985 he graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. After moving to California, Mr. Donadio went to the University of San Francisco Law School (USF), where he was president of the Environmental Law Society. After graduating from USF, Mr. Donadio spent a summer clerking for the White House's Council on Environmental Quality and obtained a masters degree in law, with a concentration in environmental law, from Vermont Law School. Mr. Donadio began work...

I was an elected official in Santa Cruz County, California for twenty years. Now, I am an environmental attorney, practicing law in Santa Cruz County. To get my perspective on politics, law, and government, read the postings I make, daily, to my blog, "We Live In A Political World." You can find my blog at www.gapatton.net.

Skilled in explaining litigation risks and strategy to business professionals. Practiced in assessing a company's exposure to litigation risks and analyzing litigation to resolve issues. Environmental. I have experience in both regulatory and litigation aspects of environmental law. I have negotiated Title V permits for steel companies, reviewed environmental provisions of transactions, negotiated NPDES permits, and resolved air excursion issues with state regulatory agencies. I have designed decision tree analysis for the resolution of environmental issues. In addition, I have been successful in litigating all manner of environmental claims in the courts and in administrative tribunals. Litigation. I have successfully prosecuted and...

Brigit S. Barnes is the owner and principal of Brigit S. Barnes & Associates, Inc. Mrs. Barnes graduated cum laude from the University of Santa Clara in 1973 and obtained her J.D. with distinction from McGeorge School of Law in 1985. Mrs. Barnes is a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Agency, Business Associations and Contract Awards, and the Corpus Juris Secundum Legal Scholarship Award. Mrs. Barnes is a member of the Sacramento County Bar Association – Real Property Section, the State Bar of California, California Business Properties Association – Legislative Committee, and Sacramento Commercial Women in Real Estate –...

My law practice encompasses a broad variety of litigation matters, ranging from complex commercial disputes to white collar criminal defense. I have represented clients in federal and state courts in cases involving copyright and trademark infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, securities violations, bank fraud, tax fraud, toxic torts, unfair competition, and civil and criminal racketeering. I also have extensive experience in commercial mediation and arbitration.

Most recently, my work has involved class action litigation involving wage and hour claims; a partnership dispute over a multi-million dollar capital call; and a variety of intellectual property and business disputes in Los Angeles...

Christian Uehlein is of counsel to Thornton Law Firm LLP. He joined the firm as an associate in 2006. Mr. Uehlein is a graduate of Colorado College (B.A. 2002) and New England School of Law (J.D. 2006). He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2006, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in 2007, Montana in 2016, and Wyoming in 2020, and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in 2007. Mr. Uehlein focuses his practice on representing victims of toxic exposures as well as employers and business in insurance premium disputes. Since...

Providing affordable and convenient legal services. After 20 years of experience in business administration, including dealing with contracts, employment law, real estate law and regulatory compliance, I became a lawyer and put my decades of experience to good use. I realize that many people who need legal advice also need to work during the week. I offer consultations on the weekends to be available to clients when it is convenient for them. Call me to set up a consultation, sometimes legal services are less expensive than you think. In addition to my office practice, I provide self help advice...

A San Francisco Bay Area native, James Nevin received a bachelor of arts from Boston College (majoring in International Studies), a master of arts in Asian Studies from Stanford University, and a law degree from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where he was an editor on the UCLA Law Review. Mr. Nevin is a partner and trial counsel with the firm. He has been with Brayton Purcell since March 2002. His legal practice focuses on all litigation and trials representing personal injury and wrongful death plaintiffs, specializing in toxic torts, such as asbestos and mesothelioma, artificial stone silicosis, benzene-caused diseases,...

Peter Hsiao has 33 years of experience as a lead trial lawyer and is head of the West Coast U.S. Environmental, Health & Safety Practice of King & Spalding LLP resident in the Los Angeles Office. He was named Environmental Litigation Attorney of the Year in Los Angeles by Best Lawyers in America, and one of 16 lawyers named as a Distinguished Environmental Advocate by the American Bar Association. The National Law Journal identifies him as a Trailblazer in Energy and Environmental Law, and is named by Chambers, Legal 500 and Super Lawyers one of the nation’s best...

Ed Kraus is a shareholder with Silicon Valley Law Group. For over 20 years he has represented individuals, small and large companies in a variety of civil and criminal litigation matters. Ed has successfully handled litigation involving employment issues, real estate, construction, commercial disputes, contract issues, unfair competition and Americans with Disabilities Act claims on behalf of businesses. Ed also handles a wide variety of criminal litigation including representing individuals and corporations accused of grand theft, embezzlement, real estate fraud, insurance fraud, environmental, trade secret violations, driving under the influence, other driving related charges and other general criminal matters.

Ed believes...

Mr. Perry practices in the areas of land use, real estate, mortgage finance & structured products and business law. He represents clients before various administrative and planning agencies, including County of Sonoma, City of Santa Rosa, Town of Windsor, City of Petaluma, City of Rohnert Park, City of Sonoma, City of Cotati, City of Sebastopol, Sonoma County Airport Land Use Commission and Water Quality and Air Quality Boards. Mr. Perry also represents clients in general real estate, environmental and contractual litigation. He has significant experience with California Environmental Quality Act compliance and litigation.

Mr. Perry has practiced law in Sonoma County...

I have been in solo private practice representing plaintiffs in the areas of environmental, land use, and elections law for almost thirty years. My clients are usually local environmental groups, neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, and occasionally individuals or government agencies. In addition to my law degree (New College of Calif., 1990) have undergraduate and masters of science degrees in biology from Brown University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Harvard University. I spent ten years working as a researcher in agricultural biotechnology before doing a career change and getting my law degree.
I represent clients...

Mr. Rogers is a founding partner of Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP. He is a leading business and real estate lawyer in Santa Barbara, representing individuals and businesses throughout California's Central Coast. During a legal career spanning almost five decades, Mr. Rogers has represented clients in a wide range of corporate, business and real estate matters, including entity formations, asset and entity purchases, sales, financings, mergers and acquisitions, complex contract negotiations, commercial transactions, real estate syndications, land use planning and development and acquisition, and leasing and licensing of oil and gas rights.

Mr. Rogers has been awarded a Martindale-Hubbell rating of...

Paul Lee is engaged in the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injuries. He has successfully handled hundreds of major personal injury matters, including those involving vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, products liability, toxic torts and premises liability, including severe spinal cord injuries, brain damage, fractures, amputations, third degree burns, severe lung damage, leukemia and other injuries. In the area of defective and dangerous products, Paul has successfully settled cases involving automobiles, heavy machinery and equipment, consumer products, chemicals and pharmaceutical products. Before founding Kaplan Lee LLP, Paul was a litigation partner at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP, one of...

Stanford Lawyer offering representation in following areas: DUI and criminal law defense, business law, civil rights law, and environmental law. Has conducted more than 100 jury trials. Experience includes: 21 years as a prosecuting attorney, including 13 years as supervising prosector for the Mendocino Coast in the Mendocino County District Attorney's office, and including being Head of Special Prosecutions for the San Francisco District Attorneys office; 16 years as a defense attorney, including being retained by the Black Panther party; 6 years as "County Counsel" for Mendocino County; and 4 years as Corporate Counsel for Pacific Energy & Minerals, Ltd....

Located in Arroyo Grande, California, Paulding Law represents clients with a variety of needs. Our practice areas include: estate planning (wills & trusts); real estate and business transactions; and land use, environmental, and construction law. Whether you are a local resident, government agency, contractor, or entrepreneur, we will not only be responsive to your needs, but we will work harder than ever to exceed your expectations. It is our combination of extensive experience, positive demeanor, and professionalism that sets us apart and allows us to customize our services to meet your individual needs and concerns.

Tracy Owens is an Associate in the Gresham Savage Real Estate & Land Use Practice Group. Ms. Owens assists clients with all aspects of commercial, industrial and residential development, including land use applications, zone changes, subdivisions, common interest developments, environmental compliance issues, and governmental approvals of projects. Ms. Owens has experience with projects affecting sensitive or endangered species, wetlands and cultural resources, and assists businesses and developers in complying with air and water quality regulation, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Ms. Owens is also experienced in title analysis and resolution of title problems,...

Julia Consoli-Tiensvold's practice includes general commercial litigation, land use litigation, and corporate defense and investigation matters.

Terrance J. Evans is a partner in the Trial Practice Group of Duane Morris in San Francisco. He concentrates his practice in representing the financial services industry, which includes international, national and community banks; loan service companies; and insurance companies.

With respect to the insurance industry, Mr. Evans concentrates his practice in complex commercial litigation and policy interpretation and analysis. He has represented commercial primary, excess and umbrella insurers in a wide range of multimillion-dollar cases, including declaratory relief, bad faith, rescission, subrogation, indemnity, additional insurance, interpleader and reformation actions.

In relation to the banking industry, Mr. Evans has represented international,...

I have over 21 years experience serving Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Monterey Counties with superior and efficient land use, real estate, and business law services – all backed by professionalism and integrity. In my current practice in Capitola, I represent individual, business and public agency clients in a wide range of real estate, land use, and public law matters (transactional and litigation), with special emphasis on: Land use permits; Zoning compliance and red tag removal; CEQA and Coastal Act compliance and litigation; Writ of mandate litigation (against or on behalf of public agencies); Real estate transactions, disputes...

Practicing as a criminal trial attorney since 1987. Handles all serious and violent feloney cases. Has lengthy experience with special circumstance homicides, Three Strike Cases and mental defenses. Former Captain, Military Intelligence,United States Army Reserve

Based out of Santa Clara County, The Law Office of Eben L. Kurtzman has been providing reliable legal advice and representation in criminal law defense and personal injury prosecution cases for over two decades. Eben has handled over one thousand cases and has had more than fifty jury trials. His practice is centered on the idea that the client is the most important part of any case, and that a straight-forward, honest approach is the best way to succeed. He will give you a realistic, honest assessment of your case. He encourages all of his clients to ask questions and...

Amy is a member of the Water & Public Lands Group. She has specialized experience in Colorado River Issues and Endangered Species Act compliance. She represents public water agencies, special districts, private landowners and water utilities in both litigation and transactional matters. Amy works on a broad range of water and land use issues, including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, water rights permitting, administrative proceedings, complex groundwater adjudications, and water supply planning under SB 610/2210.

Gary Grimm provides affordable and effective legal advice and representation on environmental regulatory matters, with a focus on water quality issues. Prior to establishing his law firm in 1996, Gary spent over 20 years in public service advising and representing multiple government environmental regulatory agencies.

Gary Grimm's extensive public and private sector experience enables him to address complex water quality issues and achieve client goals in a practical and cost-effective manner. He is currently advising and representing businesses, public agencies and individuals on all aspects of water quality regulatory matters before state, local and federal agencies. This advice and representation includes...

A partner and co-founder of Carmel & Naccasha LLP, Tim Carmel has practiced law extensively in San Luis Obispo County for over 37 years in the areas of municipal law, land use, real property transactions, and related matters. Tim has devoted much of his practice to public sector clients, including cities, community services districts, sanitary and other special districts, and he served in the office of the City Attorney for the City of Arroyo Grande for 30 years. In that role, he was responsible for advising the City Council, City Manager, and all City departments on points of law and ensuring...

My name is Fred Walter. I am a partner in the law firm of Walter & Prince. My law firm represents California employers, and other states as well, in OSHA compliance issues and "serious & willful misconduct" claims. I work with employers, general counsel, safety directors, risk managers and human resources administrators defending OSHA citations and developing effective safety programs which answer regulatory mandates. I am a leader of the firm's crisis management practice, providing clients with legal advice and representation during and after critical events. I am admitted to practice in all California courts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals...