JD Journal Names California’s Top Environmental Law Firms

Summary: JD Journal has identified the top environmental boutique law firms in California.

Note: These are BCG Attorney Search’s favorite environmental boutiques in California.

Environmental law is a niche practice that covers all laws and regulations pertaining to the effects of human actions on the natural environment. In California, the practice grew compared to other areas in the United States. JD Journal has subsequently identified the top environmental law firms in California.

The following list is ranked by size.

1. Marten Law

This is boutique law firm specializes in environmental and energy law. Their offices are located in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. What sets this 17 attorney law firm apart from generalists is that they focus solely on environmental and energy issues. Additionally, every attorney writes for the biweekly newsletter Marten Law News, which has over 45,000 subscribers.

2. Gilchrist & Rutter

Based in Santa Monica, Gilchrist & Rutter has 14 attorneys who specialize in business and real estate deals. Their environmental practice covers all aspects of hazardous materials laws and regulations as they apply to real estate owners. This includes compliance counseling and defense of enforcement actions and citizen suits.

3. Bartkiewicz, Kronick & Shanahan

Founded in 1989 and located in Sacramento, Bartkiewicz, Kronick & Shanahan represents local agencies and private clients on water resources, land use, and governmental issues. The firm has 10 attorneys and is an expert on environmental law in California.

4. Strumwasser & Woocher

With seven attorneys, Strumwasser & Woocher focuses on areas such as anti-SLAPP, education, and environmental law. When it comes to environmental and land-use litigation, this Los Angeles-based firm represents environmental organizations, homeowner groups, and public agencies. One of its clients include the County of Santa Barbara.

5. Volker Law

The Law Offices of Stephan C. Volker is a five attorney environmental litigation boutique in northwest Berkeley. According to their website, they are a public interest firm that is committed to environmental preservation and protection and the pursuit of civil litigation whenever environmental resources are at stake. Most of their clients are local neighborhood coalitions.

6. Smith Trager

Smith Trager, the three attorney boutique in Irvine, specializes in environmental law and remediation, water rights, construction, natural resources, land use, real estate matters and associated litigation. They represent clients in all proceedings throughout California.