Brooke Miller helps developers, builders, investors and owners of large-scale real property move projects from concept to approval—and keep them on track when opposition or litigation arises. Drawing on nearly two decades representing local government agencies, she brings an insider’s understanding of public-sector processes and decision-making, and she helps clients identify low-risk, high-value entitlement paths that maximize site potential.
Brooke guides projects through land use planning, zoning, entitlements, environmental review, local government scrutiny and special district hurdles across California, with a focus on properties in the City and County of San Diego. Her work spans multifamily housing, mixed-use residential and retail, commercial and industrial development, healthcare facilities and renewable energy projects, including battery energy storage systems.
Known for practical, solutions-oriented strategies, Brooke helps clients overcome barriers that can derail approvals—evolving state and local requirements, complex agency dynamics, community opposition and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)-related risk. When disputes arise, she defends approvals in court against challenges under CEQA, the Subdivision Map Act and California planning and zoning laws, including in favorable published decisions from the Second and Sixth District Courts of Appeal.
Beyond land use and environmental law, Brooke has extensive experience with government contracting and public works and frequently advises clients regarding a variety of special districts laws, the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act (LAFCO law), the Coastal Act and the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).
Brooke began her career as outside counsel to cities and special districts, then served as assistant county counsel for Santa Cruz County, representing the Planning Commission, Department of Public Works and other entities. She later joined the San Diego County Counsel’s office, where she advised on CEQA compliance and land use entitlements and defended the county against related lawsuits.
Brooke co-leads Sheppard’s Land Use practice and Multifamily Housing industry team. She also co-leads the San Diego office Women Lawyers Group and is a member of the Recruiting Committee.
Outside of work, Brooke spends time with her two teenage children and their English cocker spaniel.