CEQA Overview Environmental Law Series, Workshop VI: CEQA, NEPA & Open Government 2013
Private Coastal Act Enforcement Environmental Law Series, Coastal Protection, Land Trusts & Conservancies, Urban Oil 2012
C.E.Q.A. Overview C.E.Q.A. Overview, Workshop on CEQA, Global Warming, Endangered Species 2010
C.E.Q.A. Overview, Workshop on CEQA, Global Warming, Endangered Species, Environmental Law Series Presented by Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Legal Committee and Loyola Law School Environmental Law Society, Loyola Law School (March 27, 2010)
Gathering the Facts: FOIA, California Public Records Act & Aerial Photos, Workshop on Global Warming Law, Clean Air Act and Clean Water for Environmental Activists, Loyola Law School (March 7, 2009).
Toxics (RCRA CERCLA, TSCA, FIFRA, California Analogs), Workshop on Land Use & Global Warming Law for Environmental Activists, Loyola Law School (March 22, 2008).
Radio Appearance on Four PM with Maria Armoudian on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles:
Workshop on Land Use & Global Warming Law for Environmental Activists, Loyola Law School (March 20, 2008).
Representative Environmental Matters
Co-Counsel with Kurt Franklin of Hanson Bridgett LLP on Cory Spencer, et al. v. Lunada Bay Boys, et al., Case No. CV 16-02129-SJO (RAOx), claims brought under the California Coastal Act.
Arconic, Inc. et al., v. APC Investment Co., et al., 2:14-cv-06456-GW-E (Omega Superfund Site). Represent one of many defendants sued by plaintiffs in complex CERCLA/RCRA action involving contamination to the Omega Superfund Site.
Herbert E. Gleicke Trust, by and through its trustee Loren Miles et al v. Altawood, Inc. et al., 2:17-cv-03262-AFM. Represent former paint manufacturer sued by plaintiffs in a multiparty CERCLA/RCRA action involving contamination to groundwater.
Politis Family Trust LLC v. The Pep Boys Manny Moe & Jack of California, et. al., 2:16-cv-01030. Represented property owner who brought claims under CERCLA/RCRA related to soil and groundwater contamination caused by the prior owner and operator of the property.
CMP Old Orchard, LP v. Denny Lee, et al., CV12-00473 JAK (SHx). Represented owner of a shopping center who brought CERCLA/RCRA claims against a former drycleaner tenant that caused PCE contamination to the soil and groundwater.
17892 Jamestown, LLC, et al. v. . Goldenwest Laundry and Valet Services Inc., et al., 30-2014-00705041-CU-NP-CJC. Represented owner of a drycleaner that was sued for contamination to a neighboring property.
Donald Colter Roberts 1989 Trust vs. Monty’s Cleaners et al., Case No. SA CV10 -1046-JVS-(RNBx).
Rev 973, a California Limited Liability Company v. John Mouren-Laurens, et al., 2:98-cv-10690-DSF-EX. While Special Counsel with Michel & Associates, defended oil company in complex multiparty CERCLA/RCRA action where plaintiff was alleging 50 to 100 million in environmental clean-up costs with nine current defendants and 20,000 PRPs.
Negotiated a $25,000 settlement in action against dry cleaner by landowner for PCE contamination to soil and ground water where the cost of remediation was estimated in the range of $330,000 to $500,000.
Handled environmental regulatory compliance for surfboard manufacturers, surfboard repair facilities, and manufacturer of polyurethane foam core. Defended surfboard manufacturer against alleged OSHA violations.
Represented non-profit corporation and citizen’s group in high profile case against City of Palos Verdes Estates in action related to surveillance camera installed to monitor beach activity in violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Represent citizen’s group in high profile case related to a proposed expansion of a golf course and housing development in Rolling Hills Estates expected to cost $350 million dollars to develop.
Representative Litigation Matters
1. Appellate Victories
Co-authored and argued winning appellate brief in negligent non-disclosure action against residential real estate agent. Carl Michel vs. Palos Verdes Network Group, Inc., et al., 156 Cal. App.4th 756 (2007). (Published)
Co-authored winning appellate brief that set aside $587,000 judgment in personal injury action against client.
2. Business Disputes
Negotiated dismissal of $1.5 million action against business owner brought by ousted partner.
Represented business in trade secret action brought against former employee for stealing company IP.
3. Death Cases
Negotiated with prosecutors to prevent involuntary manslaughter charges against refinery contractor for accidental death. Represented client’s employees during depositions in related wrongful death action.
Represented demolition company in California OSHA action related to a workplace fatality, settling matter for a nominal fine with no criminal filing.
4.Property-Related Disputes
Obtained dismissal of action against Superior Court Judge in action by City of Torrance for Trespass, Nuisance,Ejectment and land use issues related to structures encroaching on city property.
Represented indigent family in lawsuit against landlord who refused to make basic repairs, including mold remediation, and negotiated a settlement of $186,000 plus overpaid rent.
