Latham & Watkins LLP represents high-profile companies including Paramount Pictures, NBCUniversal, and Invenergy, as well as landowners, developers, and sponsors in large project financing and completion. The firm’s environment, land, and resources practice, led by Washington DC’s Janice Schneider and James R. Barrett, predominantly operates in Los Angeles. Lucinda Starrett has led many projects aimed at obtaining land entitlements; James Arnone has extensive advisory and litigious land use expertise; and Maria Hoye focuses on entitlements and environmental approvals. LA’s Duncan Moore and Beth P. Gordie also secure approvals from boards and commissions for large and contentious developments. Orange County’s Nikki Buffa and San Diego’s Jennifer Roy advise on energy and infrastructure matters with a particular emphasis on environmental compliance. George Mihlsten has retired from the partnership.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- Aerial Rapid Transit
- California-American Water Company
- Cheniere Energy Partners
- Bel Air Bay Club
- Sempra Energy
- Oakland Athletics
- San Diego Gas & Electric Company
- Irvine Company
- Invenergy
- NBCUniversal
Work highlights
- Represents Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies LLC and LA Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies LLC (collectively, ARTT) in connection to its proposal to connect the regional transit system from Los Angeles Union Station to Dodger Stadium via an aerial rapid transit gondola system – the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit project (LA ART).
- Advising SoCalGas on the environmental, regulatory, permitting, and other strategic considerations concerning 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. Angeles Link would deliver green, reliable energy to the Los Angeles region using hydrogen converted from renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, and has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Representing California American Water (Cal-Am) in the development of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP) - one of the most high-profile and contentious water infrastructure projects in the state. The project includes a proposed seawater desalination facility that is needed to meet critical water demand in the water-constrained Monterey region that can be significantly affected by drought conditions.
Lawyers
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Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Janice Schneider; James R. Barrett
Other key lawyers
Lucinda Starrett; James Arnone; Maria Hoye; Duncan Moore; Beth P. Gordie; Nikki Buffa; Jennifer Roy; George Mihlsten