Event Date
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California historically has been at the cutting edge of environmental law, yet last legislative session presented some unique challenges. CELPC invites you to join a panel of experienced practitioners who will discuss their practices, the purpose of CEQA and recent developments (and disasters) in CEQA law, and anticipated future challenges that practitioners will have the opportunity to meet. The event will involve an hour of interactive presentation time and an hour for informal, open-agenda discussions with the panel.
Susan Brandt-Hawley ’77
Principal, Brandt-Hawley Law Group
Susan Brandt-Hawley ’77 first practiced at the San Quentin Prison Law Office, founded by law school buddy Michael Satris ’75. She then hung a general law shingle in the Sonoma Valley and happened to litigate a few high-profile CEQA cases in the 80s when that Act was young. Press was an unsought springboard to what became her statewide public interest environmental practice. Hundreds of superior court cases led to 50 published opinions to date, including six at the California Supreme Court. Historic resources are a primary focus. Susan and her husband and sons also founded Random Ridge Vineyards in the Mayacamas mountains.
Douglas Carstens
Managing Partner, Carstens Black & Minteer LLP
Douglas Carstens is the Managing Partner of a small petitioners’ environmental law firm, Carstens Black & Minteer LLP, based in Redondo Beach and practicing throughout the state. He graduated from Cornell University and UCLA Law School. Prior to finishing law school, he served as an officer in the Navy. His law firm primarily represents environmental and community groups. His firm helped bring about the public acquisition of now-public parklands in the State Historic Park in downtown Los Angeles and additions to the Kenneth Hahn State Park. He is a Past President of the Board of Planning and Conservation League.
Kevin K. Johnson ’80
President, Kevin K. Johnson, APLC
Kevin Johnson is a 1980 King Hall graduate and a San Diego based civil trial and appellate lawyer. He has successfully litigated against major oil companies, national insurance carriers, regional and local governments, the State of California and the U.S. Government. His practice since 2001 has focused primarily on environmental and land use law. He is a board member of the Sacramento based Planning and Conservation League, which maintains a full-time lobbying staff in the state capitol. He chairs the PCL Legislative Policy Committee which reviews and comments upon newly introduced legislation and sets lobbying priorities.
Lunch provided.