- MisdemeanorsMark Pasternak d/b/a Devil’s Gulch Ranch (various matters). Successfully tried, through judgment, neighbor dispute over client’s historic farm road. Successfully challenged Marin County decision to restrict client’s use permit for agriculturally related activities on property. Successfully co-defended client in misdemeanor Fish & Game Code charge, resulting in complete dismissal of charge on the day of trial.
- Corporate Law
- Real Estate Litigation
- Real Estate TransactionsMuch of the firm’s practice is devoted to litigation. We know how to prepare for trial and try cases. We understand as well the importance of focusing on our clients’ goals and developing strategies designed to achieve those goals. We represent clients in environmental enforcement actions brought by federal, state, and local agencies, in citizen suits brought by private organizations, in disputes arising out of governmental efforts to regulate the development of land and natural resources, and in contractual or business disagreements arising out of real estate transactions, title insurance, water contracts, and contaminated property. The firm has represented landowners, developers, title insurers and their insureds, water rights holders, departments of the State of California, cities and other governmental entities, wastewater dischargers, regulated industries, and public interest groups. The firm also represents condemning entities and private landowners in condemnation cases in state and federal courts.
- Eminent DomainOur attorneys are title specialists. We are experienced in most areas of real property law, including public trust, water rights, boundaries, easements, regulatory issues, mechanic’s liens, eminent domain, and title insurance. We know as well how to litigate real property disputes when necessary or warranted. We also have considerable experience dealing with state and federal agencies in matters affecting title to real property. Our attorneys work closely with title companies, providing regulatory guidance, advising them about the administration of escrow and title claims, and representing them or their insureds in litigation concerning escrow or title disputes. Our expertise includes the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and state and federal withholding laws. We are expert title practitioners at all levels – local, state, federal, and international.
- Easement
- Land Use and ZoningOur lawyers offer specialized expertise helping clients achieve their land use and development goals in various pursuits, including commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural. Deep knowledge, skill, and experience guides our advice and representation of clients regarding the array of laws—federal, state, and local—that governs the use and development of land and agency review of the effects of human activities on the environment, including the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Subdivision Map Act, California Coastal Act, Permit Streamlining Act, California Water Code, California Fish and Game Code, Williamson Act, the public trust doctrine, and local general plans and zoning ordinances, among others. Unparalleled knowledge of the law of the sea and international environmental law enables us to serve clients overseas as well. Our lawyers are particularly expert in water boundaries, waterfront development, and wetland and wildlife regulation.
- Bankruptcy
- ForeclosureGao, et al. v. Northwest Trustee Services, Inc. Successfully defended clients’ fee title against attempted foreclosure of deed of trust that secured prior owner’s line of credit.