Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is sought after for its ability to navigate the local, state and federal land use laws involved in the development process. The California-based practice is headed by Los Angeles’ Victor De La Cruz, who is well-versed in the historic preservation and environmental legislation involved in developing projects such as malls, stadiums, offices, and residential high-rises. Orange County’s Susan Hori and San Francisco’s Sigrid Waggener are similarly experienced and advise clients on compliance issues involving the California Environmental Quality and National Environmental Policy Acts. San Francisco’s David Smith is familiar with the Clean Water Act and various climate change legislation. Los Angeles’ Fernando Villa helps clients secure entitlements for proposed industrial, mixed-use, and commercial projects while mitigating development risk. Orange County’s Jennifer Lynch and Payam Mostafav are additional key names for land use and zoning issues.
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Key clients
- CapRock Partners
- TruMark Homes
- Toll Brothers Inc.
- The Family and Heirs of Donahue Wildman
- California Quartet, L.P.
- City of Millbrae, a California municipal corporation
- Niagara Bottling, LLC & City of Delano
- Cottonwood El Cajon
- Brookfield Properties
- Centris Telegraph Point, LLC (an affiliate of CA Ventures Industrial)
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sigrid Waggener
Practice head
Victor De la Cruz
Other key lawyers
Susan Hori; Sigrid Waggener; David Smith; Fernando Villa; Jennifer Lynch; Payam Mostafav