Senior Counsel

Sophia represents both public entity and private clients in all matters relating to environmental and water issues. Sophia is experienced in compliance with environmental laws including CERCLA, RCRA, and the Clean Water Act, as well as California state statutes governing water rights and water transfers. She also frequently litigates environmental and water matters in state and federal courts. In her litigation practice, Sophia defends citizen suits brought under the Clean Water Act and California's Proposition 65. She also is engaged in hazardous substance actions on behalf of landowners in possession of contaminated properties.

Additionally, Sophia advises clients on matters relating to the California Environmental Quality Act. She is currently a part of the Hanson Bridgett team advising the America’s Cup Event Authority on CEQA issues for the 34^th America’s Cup in San Francisco Bay.

Publications

"Lead-Free Plumbing Regulations on the Horizon in 2010," The Marin Lawyer (August 2009)

"State Board Freezes Enrollment in Statewide General Storm Water NPDES Permits for Construction and Industrial Projects Following Writ in City of Arcadia Case," California Water Law and Policy (October 2008)

"Cooper Industries v. Aviall Services: Implications for the United States' Liability Under CERCLA," 56 Hastings Law Journal 193 (2004) [cited in Atlantic Research Corp. v. United States, 459 F.3d 827 (8th Cir. 2006) (affirmed by United States v. Atlantic Research Corp., 127 S. Ct. 233 (2007))].

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Presentations

"Update on New California Water Law and Legislation," Northern California County Counsel Meeting (July 2010)

"The Evolution of Water Rights Transfer Law in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals" co-presenter, Lorman Educational Services, Water Rights Sales and Transfers in California Seminar (July 2008)

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Honors

Pro Bono Attorney Honor Roll, Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (2012)