Jeff Forrest is an experienced land use attorney who helps real estate developers turn ambitious projects into reality by securing government approvals—and defending those approvals when challenged in court.
With two decades of experience in land use planning, permitting and litigation, Jeff guides institutional developers through California’s complex regulatory landscape to entitle and construct renewable energy facilities, data centers, high-rises, master-planned communities, shopping centers, warehouses and resort hotels. He represents clients in matters under the California Environmental Quality Act, State Density Bonus Law, National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental and land use statutes.
Clients rely on him to chart efficient permitting paths that avoid delays and to resolve disputes with agencies, community groups, unions and environmental organizations before they threaten a project’s viability. His work covers due diligence investigations, use permits, rezones, specific plans, development agreements, water supply assessments, environmental permits and appearances before agencies and commissions.
Drawing on his background as former legislative director and counsel to a U.S. congressman and Delaware governor, Jeff helps shape laws that promote housing production and streamline the entitlement process. His mix of political insight, regulatory experience and courtroom skill allows him to craft practical solutions that advance clients’ development goals.
A board member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and Downtown San Diego Partnership, and a registered lobbyist with multiple San Diego agencies, Jeff leads the land use legal team in the firm’s San Diego office and serves as the firm’s deputy general counsel on ethics and lobbying matters.
In his free time, Jeff enjoys tennis and pickleball, skiing, golf, hiking and international travel, and has recently taken up Pilates.