Elizabeth Watson
Partner

Real Estate, Climate Change & Sustainability

D: 310.201.7439
F: 310.201.2339

Profile

Elizabeth Watson’s depth of experience in the land use arena encompasses typical entitlements matters, such as general plan amendments, zone changes, subdivision variances and redevelopment projects.
 
In addition, Ms. Watson specializes in “green building” and sustainable development regulations, the latest intensifications of housing element mandates, the ever-fluid area of compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and shifting judicial and legislative perspectives on eminent domain and takings law.  She is one of approximately 50 attorneys in California and 500 in all of the United States to have earned a LEED AP accreditation, which certifies professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully administer the LEED certification process.
 
On a day-to-day basis, the Firm's entrepreneurial developer clients rely on Ms. Watson for a wide range of issues involving governmental agencies and the legislative and regulatory process that require and in-depth understanding of the public sector.

Land Use Experience

  • Represented The Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation in obtaining approval from the City of Los Angeles for a museum in a single-family residential area
  • Represented Monrovia Nursery Company in obtaining approval of a 1200-unit subdivision, overcoming a series of ballot box battles and litigation challenges
  • Obtained subdivision approvals for a controversial residential project in settlement of federal court litigation under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
  • Obtained approvals for affordable housing projects, most recently in Ventura and Palm Desert, California
  • Obtained approvals for a private high school campus on the Ambassador Auditorium property in Pasadena, California

Environmental Experience

  • Represented the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission regarding various regulatory matters, including the California Environmental Quality Act
  • Obtained City and Coastal Commission approvals for a mixed-use hotel and retail project in Manhattan Beach, California

Speaking Engagements

  • Moderator, San Fernando Valley Economic Summit
  • Guest lecturer, California State University Northridge, Real Estate Graduate Program
  • Moderator, Benjamin Crocker Symposium

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Board of Directors, Lambda Alpha International
  • Member, US Green Building Council - Los Angeles
  • Member, Urban Land Institute
  • Member, Westside Urban Forum