Environmental, property & infrastructure law.

The Smith Firm helps clients navigate the legal questions that shape land, resources, projects, and public decision-making across California.

Where law meets place, policy, and progress.

Advice, strategy, and advocacy for matters involving California’s built and natural environments.

Discuss a matter

Environment & Natural Resources

Permitting, enforcement, analysis and litigation, including the California Environmental Quality Act, federal, state, and local government permitting and policy, and their constant evolution.

Rugged California coastline at Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands — Point Arena–Stornetta Public Lands Photo: Samantha Storms, BLM · Public domain

Land Use, Property & Infrastructure

Zoning, approvals, property matters, infrastructure, and government decision-making, including condemnation and eminent domain litigation, landlord/tenant, redevelopment law, and land use policy and planning.

Shasta Dam in Northern California — Shasta Dam Photo: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation · Public domain

Power & Water

Counsel on power and water issues affecting the built environment, including project permitting and analysis of environmental impacts.

Desert Sunlight solar and battery storage facilities in California — Desert Sunlight solar and storage facilities Photo: Bob Wick, BLM · Public domain

We focus on environmental, property and infrastructure law. We help clients avoid litigation by early intervention in their legal problems. When litigation is necessary, we practice in California’s state and federal courts, both at the trial and appellate levels.