Los Angeles Attorney
Elizabeth Watson
Phone: 310.553.3610
Email: ewatson@greenbergglusker.com
Languages: English
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.
Education
- JD, University of Southern California Law Center, 1981
- BS, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, 1977
Practice Areas
- Restructuring & Loan Workout
- Carbon Regulation & Trading
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- Clean Technology
- Climate Change Litigation
Media Commentary
- “Guest Column: Is there Green in Green?,” Multi-Housing News(Features: Green), August 19, 2009
- Featured in, “Spouse LEEDs the Way,” Los Angeles Business Journal, August 17, 2009
- Profiled (with picture) in, “Newsmakers/Kudos,” Los Angeles Business Journal, August 3, 2009
- Profiled in, “Green Development Roundtable,” California Real Estate Journal, July 27, 2009
- Quoted in, “Assessment Districts Give Government Power to Fund Renewable Energy,” California Real Estate Journal, June 29, 2009
- Quoted in, “More Attorneys Are Jockeying for Public Projects,” California Real Estate Journal, June 15, 2009
- “More Attorneys Are Jockeying for Public Projects,” Los Angeles Daily Journal, June 2, 2009
- “Eco Buildings Could Spell Green for Lawyers,” California Real Estate Journal, November 2008
- “Electronic Signage Causes Stir in L.A. City Council Looks to Apply CEQA to Converted Billboards,” California Real Estate Journal, November 2008
- “Eco Buildings Could Spell Green for Lawyers,” Los Angeles Daily Journal, September 29, 2008
- “Why Not All Investors Are California Dreamin’,” National Real Estate Investor, September 1, 2008
- “Finding the Green Lining: Surviving and Thriving in an Economic Downturn,” Environmental Building News, January 1, 2009
Accolades
- Rated, “AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5,” Martindale Hubbell
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
