Based in California, Latham & Watkins advises a roster of high-profile clients on the development of university campuses, entertainment venues, and large-scale residential projects. The team is widely regarded for its environmental law capabilities, with deep expertise on air quality, climate change, water resources, and transportation regulation, regularly counseling on both renewable energy and conventional power projects. The wider practice is overseen by New York’s Gary Gengel and Washington, DC’s Stacey L. VanBelleghem, while the California practice is led by Los Angeles-based Maria Hoye, who is experienced at securing complex entitlements and environmental approvals, particularly for environmentally impacted sites. Also in Los Angeles, John Heintz is a seasoned litigator handling infrastructure siting disputes and regulatory compliance matters under federal and state regimes, including the California Environmental Quality Act. In Orange County, Nikki Buffa advises on energy and infrastructure developments involving conservation and endangered species compliance, while San Diego-based Jennifer Roy handles land use entitlements for major energy projects. DJ Moore, Beth Gordie, Winston Stromberg, Benjamin Hanelin, and Lauren Paull departed the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Latham’s practice stands out for the deep technical expertise and extensive regulatory experience the team has, as well as its strong client-oriented approach. The team excels in helping guide large infrastructure projects through complex federal and state entitlement processes. The practice includes former senior government officials who bring strategic insight into regulatory processes and legislative matters.’
‘Nikki Buffa and Jennifer Roy are both fantastic collaborators and strategic partners.’
Key clients
- Sempra
- Irvine Company
- San Diego Gas & Electric Company
- Loews Hotels
- Lytle Development
- Pepperdine University
- Loyola Marymount University
- RREEF America REIT II Corp. BBB
- Westfield Corporation
- Simon Property Group
- CAM Carson LLC
- Oakland Athletics
Work highlights
Advising SoCalGas on the environmental, regulatory, permitting, and other strategic considerations in relation to its Angeles Link project, a ground-breaking and transformative renewable hydrogen energy pipeline system positioned to be the largest of its kind in the United States.
Advising the Irvine Company, a private real estate investment company with an investment property portfolio located largely in Orange County, California, and properties in Silicon Valley, San Diego, and West Los Angeles, California, as well as Chicago and New York.
Advising Loews in connection with its proposed US$220 million renovation of its Coronado Bay Resort, which operates under a lease with the Port of San Diego.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Gary Gengel; Stacey L. VanBelleghem
Other key lawyers
Maria Hoye; Nikki Buffa; Jennifer Roy; John Heintz