Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP

For businesses, landowners, and governmental entities across California, navigating the intricate web of environmental regulations, land use laws, and natural resource management can be incredibly complex. These areas of law are not only highly specialized but also constantly evolving, demanding legal counsel that is both deeply knowledgeable and strategically adept. Whether you are facing an environmental enforcement action, a dispute over land development, or a critical issue concerning water rights, finding a law firm with unparalleled expertise in these fields is essential for safeguarding your interests and achieving successful outcomes.

In the heart of San Francisco, Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP stands as a distinguished and highly respected law firm with a deliberate focus on natural resources and environmental law. Boasting a rich history and an impressive client list that spans from local landowners to international entities, this firm offers a formidable combination of experience, intellectual rigor, and zealous advocacy. If you're in California and grappling with complex legal challenges related to the environment, land use, or natural resources, understanding the exceptional capabilities of Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP can provide the clarity and powerful representation you need.

Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP is strategically located in the financial district of San Francisco, providing convenient and accessible service to clients throughout California and beyond. Their office can be found at:

Suite 935, 235 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA

This prime address places the firm within a bustling commercial hub that is exceptionally well-served by public transportation. Clients utilizing MUNI bus lines, streetcar services, or BART will find numerous stops and stations within easy walking distance, allowing for straightforward access from various parts of San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. For those traveling by car, several commercial parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity, making it feasible for clients to visit for consultations. Located on the 9th floor, the office provides a professional and discreet environment, conducive to discussing sensitive and complex legal matters. This central and easily reachable location underscores Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP's commitment to being readily available to its diverse clientele, from local developers to state agencies.

Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP is primarily dedicated to the practice of natural resources and environmental law, with a significant portion of their work devoted to high-stakes litigation. Their comprehensive suite of services is designed to address a wide array of complex legal issues faced by their diverse clientele. Key areas of their expertise include:

• Environmental Litigation: Representing clients in environmental enforcement actions brought by federal, state, and local agencies. This also includes defending against citizen suits initiated by private organizations, and handling disputes arising from governmental efforts to regulate land development and natural resources.

• Land Use and Development: Guiding clients through the complex regulatory landscape surrounding land use, including zoning, permitting, and compliance with various state and federal laws affecting development projects. This is particularly crucial in California, known for its stringent land use regulations.

• Natural Resources Law: Specializing in legal matters pertaining to the use, management, and conservation of natural resources. This includes issues related to water rights, streams, wetlands, endangered species, and other protected natural assets.

• Environmental Review – NEPA and CEQA: Providing expert counsel on compliance with major environmental review statutes, specifically the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) at the federal level and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) at the state level. This involves guiding projects through environmental assessments and impact reports.

• Eminent Domain and Valuation: Representing both condemning entities and private landowners in condemnation cases in state and federal courts. This involves matters of property valuation and ensuring fair compensation when private land is taken for public use.

• Toxic Torts: Handling litigation related to harm caused by exposure to hazardous substances, including environmental contamination cases.

• Water Rights, Streams, and Wetlands: Dedicated expertise in the highly complex and often contentious area of water law in California, including disputes over surface water and groundwater rights, and regulations concerning streams and wetlands.

• Public Trust Doctrine: Advising and litigating matters related to the public trust doctrine, which asserts that certain natural resources are held in trust by the state for the benefit of the public.

• Insurance Coverage (related to environmental matters): Assisting clients with insurance coverage disputes that arise from environmental liabilities or claims.

• Appellate Practice: Handling appeals in both state and federal appellate courts, including appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court and the California Supreme Court, demonstrating their high-level litigation capabilities.

Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP distinguishes itself through a number of impressive features and highlights that showcase its leadership and effectiveness in its specialized legal fields:

• Unparalleled Specialization: The firm's deliberate and principal focus on natural resources and environmental law allows for an exceptional depth of expertise. This specialization means clients benefit from attorneys who are constantly at the forefront of legal developments in these complex areas.

• Highly Experienced Partners: Founded by three highly experienced partners (John Briscoe, David Ivester, and Lawrence Bazel), the firm boasts a combined 120 years of law practice among its name partners alone. This vast experience translates into profound legal acumen and strategic insight.

• Supreme Court and International Court Appearances: The partners have appeared before prestigious courts such as the California Supreme Court, the United States Supreme Court, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. This demonstrates their capability to handle cases at the highest levels of both domestic and international jurisprudence.

• High-Caliber Client List: The firm has attracted an impressive roster of clients, including the United Nations, sovereign nations like the Republic of Korea, the State of Kuwait, and Palau, several U.S. states (e.g., Georgia, Hawaii, Alaska), numerous cities, and a wide array of private clients. This speaks to their reputation and the trust placed in their expertise on matters of global and national significance.

• Zealous and Effective Advocacy: As noted by client testimonials, attorneys like Peter Prows exhibit an "incredible mastery and understanding of environmental law issues" and approach cases with a "professional, zealous, and effective" approach. This commitment to vigorous advocacy is a hallmark of the firm.

• Comprehensive Litigation Capabilities: Much of the firm's practice is devoted to litigation, and they are well-versed in preparing for and trying cases. They excel at focusing on client goals and developing strategies to achieve them, whether through negotiation, arbitration, or courtroom battles.

• Thought Leadership: The firm frequently publishes newsletters and articles on current environmental and land use legal issues, demonstrating their active engagement with the legal community and their role as thought leaders in their specialized fields.

As a highly specialized and established law firm focusing on complex environmental, land use, and natural resources law, Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP operates within a professional service model rather than offering public promotions or discounts. However, it is a common and industry-standard practice for firms of their caliber to offer initial consultations. This allows prospective clients, whether individuals, businesses, or governmental entities in California, to discuss their specific legal challenges, receive a preliminary assessment of their situation, and understand the firm's strategic approach and capabilities without an immediate financial commitment for full services. Such consultations are invaluable for determining the best course of action and establishing a professional relationship. For precise details on their consultation policy, including any fees or conditions, interested parties are encouraged to contact Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP directly using the provided contact information. Their primary commitment is to deliver expert, results-driven legal solutions.

For individuals, businesses, and governmental entities in California requiring expert legal counsel in environmental, land use, and natural resources law, Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP can be reached at the following contact details:

Address: Suite 935, 235 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA

Phone: (415) 402-2700

Mobile Phone: +1 415-402-2700

It is recommended to contact the office during business hours to schedule a consultation or to inquire further about their specialized services. Direct communication is the most efficient way to discuss your specific legal needs and determine how Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP can provide expert assistance.

For individuals, businesses, and governmental bodies across California, Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP stands as an exceptionally suitable and powerful choice for addressing complex legal challenges related to environmental, land use, and natural resources law. Several critical factors make this firm particularly well-suited for locals within the state.

Firstly, California's environmental and land use regulations are among the most stringent and complex in the United States. Having a local firm with a "deliberate focus" and "incredible mastery and understanding" of these specific issues, as highlighted by client testimonials, is paramount. The attorneys at Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP possess a deep, practical knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), water rights, endangered species acts specific to the state, and the intricate processes of local and state regulatory agencies. This specialized local expertise ensures that clients navigate California's unique legal landscape with precision, avoiding potential pitfalls and optimizing outcomes.

Secondly, the firm's extensive litigation experience, including appearances before the California Supreme Court, means they are well-versed in the state's judicial system at its highest levels. For Californians facing disputes—whether environmental enforcement actions, land development conflicts, or eminent domain cases—having advocates who understand the nuances of state court procedures and possess a proven track record of zealous and effective advocacy within this specific jurisdiction is a significant advantage. The firm's capability to handle international and multi-state cases also indicates a sophisticated approach that can benefit complex Californian matters with broader implications.

Lastly, the firm's strategic location in San Francisco's financial district offers practical accessibility for clients throughout the Bay Area and other parts of California. This local presence facilitates direct communication and ensures that clients can easily engage with their legal team. For locals whose projects or properties are directly affected by California's robust environmental and land use policies, Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP provides not just legal representation but a strategic partner deeply embedded in and dedicated to mastering the legal challenges unique to the Golden State.