Practice

Land Use Litigation

Trial-Tested Counsel for Land Use Disputes

Sheppard represents developers, landowners and public agencies in high-stakes land use and environmental litigation. 

We deliver practical strategies to protect entitlements, minimize litigation risk and address conflicts efficiently to keep projects moving. 

Defending Approvals and Advancing Development 

Sheppard’s Land Use litigators handle the full range of disputes arising from local, state and federal land use laws.

We represent clients in trial and appellate courts in cases involving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), planning and zoning laws, state housing laws, state and federal natural resource laws, federal public lands laws, development agreements, vested rights and constitutional issues such as takings and due process. 

Our team has defended some of the largest and most complex developments in California, securing favorable results that allow projects to proceed. Clients turn to us early in the entitlement process to build defensible records and minimize litigation risk. When lawsuits arise, we work efficiently to resolve cases through demurrers, summary judgment motions or targeted settlements. 

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