What's New
Edward L. Quevedo Joins Paladin Law Group as Senior Counsel and Chair of the Sustainability Practice Group
Paladin Law Group is pleased to announce that Edward L. Quevedo has joined the firm as Senior Counsel and Chair of the firm's Sustainability Practice Group. Mr. Quevedo has over 25 years of experience advising clients on domestic and international environmental and health & safety (EHS) law compliance and litigation matters, sustainable development strategy and sustainability planning and program development, greenhouse gas accounting and carbon intensity reduction, water rights and land use, and sustainability master planning and sustainably designed building. Prior to joining Paladin Law Group, Mr. Quevedo was special counsel at Farella Braun + Martel in San Francisco, and chair of that firm's Sustainability Practice Group.
Managing partner of Paladin Law Group, John Till, commented that "Ed joining our team is very exciting as it will position our firm as a leader in domestic and international sustainability law and policy." Mr. Quevedo graduated with UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law and earned his undergraduate degree from the UCLA. Click for Mr. Quevedo's complete bio.
Landmark Supreme Court decision lets Shell off the hook for pollution cleanup
The United States Supreme Court ruled against the federal government and declared that Shell and units of Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific do not have to pay for most of the $8 million cost to clean a polluted chemical site in California. Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co. v. United States, __ S.Ct. __, 2009 WL 1174849 (S. Ct. May 4, 2009). The court agreed that Shell was not responsible for the damage because it had only provided chemicals to the site and had encouraged proper handling. With respect to the railroads, the court found their liability could reasonably be apportioned to just 9 percent.
Bret Stone presents at Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite on panel on New Developments in Brownfields
While liability for contaminated sites may be recession-proof, the effect of the economic downturn on the redevelopment of such properties has been both significant and obvious. Fewer people are doing deals involving contaminated properties and the amount of litigation involving these properties is on the rise. The panel discussed how to rework the Brownfields model for the present economy, including the changing structure of Brownfield deals, recent developments in cost recovery litigation, the identification and use of historic insurance assets, and the strategic application of alternate risk transfer mechanisms, including environmental insurance. The Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite is nationally recognized as the largest and most prestigious gathering of leaders in environmental, land use and natural resources law in California.
John Till appointed to California Redevelopment Association’s Sustainability Committee
CRA tapped John Till as a founding member of its new Sustainability Committee. CRA has been emphasizing the need for redevelopment agencies to build sustainable projects by promoting urban-centered growth, restoring once contaminated areas to viable use, preserving the environment and open space, and reducing urban sprawl and commute times. With the rise of sustainability in the public consciousness, CRA thought it appropriate to establish a standing committee to focus on issues related to sustainability and redevelopment.
Paladin Law Group settles nondisclosure, breach of fiduciary duty case
Paladin Law Group represented the buyers in a lawsuit against the sellers and real estate brokers in a dual agency situation for failing to disclose that an underground heating oil tank had once been located at the property and that pipelines associated with the tank were still buried underground. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount a week before trial.
Bret Stone a presenter at California Redevelopment Association conference
Bret Stone was a presenter at the California Redevelopment Association Legal Symposium in Anaheim, California on how historic insurance policies may be an effective tool in Brownfields redevelopment. The event included representatives of municipalities throughout California.
Bret Stone selected as a Who’s Who in Professional Services by the Pacific Coast Business Times
For the fourth straight year, Bret Stone has been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times for his work on the Central Coast.
Paladin Law Group leads redevelopment team in Martinez, California
The City of Martinez recently approved the redevelopment of a long vacant historic building across the street from the courthouse in Martinez, California. The redevelopment will include a mixed-use project with a bar and restaurant and office suites.
