Jim Arnone has extensive experience helping clients navigate complex state and federal environmental laws related to transformative development projects as well as litigation over the legal obligations of local, state, and federal governmental bodies.
He has particular experience in the following areas:
Jim is a frequent author and lecturer on environmental, climate change, and real estate law. He co-authored a global climate change chapter in an ABA-published Environmental Litigation book, co-edited the Water Quality section of the California Municipal Law Handbook, and authored various articles and Client Alerts on new developments in land use and environmental law. Most recently, Jim was recognized by the Daily Journal as one of California’s Top 50 Development Lawyers.
Jim has served the firm in several management roles, including having served as Global Chair of the Environment, Land & Resources Department, Global Co-Chair of the Environmental Litigation Practice Group, and Deputy Managing Partner of the Los Angeles office. Jim also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California Law School, where he taught Environmental Law for 25 years. Jim also serves on the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where he serves as Chair of its Environmental Policy Committee. Jim speaks in many venues on environmental and real estate development topics, including CEQA, land use, global climate change, and various environmental laws. Jim co-chaired a day-long CEQA symposium annually for 17 years, convening highly distinguished faculties from government, consulting firms, and the legal community. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section, during which he chaired several committees.
Jim has extensive courtroom experience, both in the trial courts and in the appellate courts. He has advised numerous clients on the implications of current and pending global climate change rules. Jim also frequently advises clients on and litigates matters involving the enforcement of governmental duties, including environmental laws, open meeting and public records laws, charter school laws, and initiative and referendum laws.
Jim has often advised clients and litigated controversies involving a wide range of environmental and land use laws, including:
Global Chair recognized for market-leading environment, land, and resources practice.
A Latham environmental team advising the Newhall Ranch community named Attorneys of the Year.
A Latham environmental team advising the Newhall Ranch community is honored as Attorneys of the Year for innovative work in advancing one of the largest master-planned communities ever proposed in California.