McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) announces the addition of Michael Durkee to the firm’s Real Estate Land Use practice in California. Based in San Francisco, Durkee is experienced in in the creation and implementation of complex entitlement strategies, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), planning and zoning laws, the Subdivision Map Act, negotiation of development agreements and government relations, all of which will complement the highly acclaimed MLA team of land use attorneys, who were among the first in California to focus on and develop the area of land use law.

Durkee has driven the entitlement strategy of some of California’s most notable development projects including San Jose Giants Ballpark Proposal (San Jose), the Buck Institute Research on Aging (Novato, CA), Black Point (Marin County), Buck Mountain Ranch and the North Livermore Initiative. He has also worked with governmental entities such as the City of Stockton, and the City of Lathrop. He represents developers, builders, property owners, cities, counties and special districts in the areas of land use entitlement, review and approval processes in all aspects of California local government.

“Michael’s addition to the practice provides our clients with another strategic legal resource, expanded geographic experience and an additional depth and breadth within land use to meet our clients’ needs.” said Tim Tosta, MLA Bay Area land use practice leader. “His reputation as one of California’s top creative land use attorneys is well-deserved and we look forward to introducing our clients to his innovative counsel.”

His experience includes transactional and litigation work related to CEQA local governance, general plans, specific plans, zoning and development, vested rights, exactions, the Subdivision Map Act, Williamson Act and local elections. He frequently teaches land use seminars throughout California for such entities as the State Bar of California and the University of California Extension. He has authored a number of books and is a former member of the Advisory Board of The California Land Use Law and Policy Reporter and the State Assembly Local Government Committee’s “Subdivision Map Act Advisory Group.”

“I am very excited to join McKenna Long & Aldridge and the Land Use team,” said Michael Durkee. “These attorneys are seasoned, savvy and highly successful Land Use lawyers and I look forward to getting involved with new opportunities and projects at the firm.”

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