We protect people & the environment.

People often turn to us when they’re trying to protect their communities and the places they love, or when they need expert guidance on California’s complex land use and environmental review processes.

With over ten years of experience representing individuals and community organizations in California land use, environmental, and permitting processes, we help our clients secure outcomes that protect their communities, their land, and the environment.

We defend open spaces, wild lands, and wildlife.

We use our experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the California Coastal Act, California Public Records Act (CPRA), and other zoning and environmental laws to preserve open space, advocate for our coastline, and protect California air, water, plants, and animals.

We fight for environmental justice.

Everyone deserves a healthy place to live, work, play, and learn. We partner with Communities of Color and other historically impacted California communities to stop industry, corporations, and government from exposing community members to toxic waste, harmful chemicals, or other pollution. We’re passionate about supporting Indigenous people and tribes to ensure that local governments and developers honor and protect sacred places.

We advocate for responsible land use.

We know what it’s like to love a place and want to protect it. We represent property owners, community members, and environmental organizations opposing land use and permitting decisions.

We partner with non-profits, community groups, grassroots organizations, and activists.

We’re passionate about representing activists and community organizations in the fight for environmental justice and protection. We specialize in coordinating legal and organizing strategies to successfully address environmental harms. We’ve represented organizations including the Sierra Club, Cudahy Alliance for Justice, Los Padres Forrest Watch, and Concerned Carpinterians, and partnered with Communities for a Better Environment, Green Latinos, and University of California, Irvine.

Our Environmental Law Services

  • We help our clients understand their legal rights, weigh their options, and identify and implement a plan that’s tailored to their unique circumstances, stakeholders, and goals.

  • We represent clients in local government approval processes, through letters to people in power, during CEQA and EIR processes, and at hearings before government councils, boards, and legislative bodies.

  • When it’s appropriate, we advocate for our clients in negotiations with other landowners, developers, and government bodies, so they don’t have to. We tailor our approach - from working collaboratively to tenaciously advocating - to our clients’ specific needs, relationships, and goals.

  • When government entities, developers, or corporations fail to comply with environmental and land use laws, we hold them accountable in court.

Work With Us

  • “Without Elise’s expertise in the area of environmental law, my organization and I would not have won a pivotal lawsuit against a corporate conglomerate... For that, I am truly grateful.”

    Aydé Bravo, Cudahy Alliance for Justice

  • “Elise was all in on our case… when it came to the County Appeal she was well prepared and her presentation was excellent.”

    K.H.