Christopher A. Rheinheimer

Partner

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Christopher A. Rheinheimer

Chris Rheinheimer is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate and Environment section. Chris is a versatile trial lawyer who has litigated a wide variety of complex cases in state and federal court, as well as through private arbitration. He represents and advises clients in environmental, energy, and real estate-related matters, including representation of leading energy companies, national health care organizations, and numerous real estate developers and investors. Chris also represents clients in land use and CEQA litigation, and he has significant experience challenging voter initiatives in court.

Representative Work

Represented developer challenging city council's adoption of voter initiatives that purport to restrict development of long-planned residential community.

Represented California energy company in successful Phase 1 trial challenging a county's measure that would have banned hydraulic fracturing, wastewater disposal, and the drilling of new wells.

Successfully defended investment company in a one-day trial on CEQA challenge to a large mixed-use project in the Bay Area. Judgment was entered less than one year after the filing of the CEQA complaints.

Represented a large telecommunications provider in defense of procurement contract award for statewide communications services.

Represented one of the largest health systems in the nation, obtaining unanimous arbitration award of full coverage following excess carrier's denial of coverage and declaratory relief action (later compelled to arbitration) under employment practices liability policy after jury returned $168 million verdict against client.

Successfully defended the purchaser of a $110 million loan from a trust established by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in connection with a bank's acquisition of certain Bear Stearns assets. Judgment for the client entered on all counts following a seven-week trial.

Represented a real estate developer in a CEQA challenge to a mixed-use development bordering industrial area. Matter was settled favorably and without delay of trial, allowing construction to proceed in a timely matter.

Publications

"Judicial Council Revises Its Deadline for Tolling Civil Statutes of Limitations, Including for CEQA Actions," co-author, Environmental Law + Land Use Law Alert (May 2020)

"Project Approved Pursuant to SB 35 Streamlining Procedures Survives Court Challenge," co-author, Land Use Law Alert (May 2020)

"California Superior Court's Application of SB 35 to Los Altos Development Project Provides Encouragement to Housing Proponents," co-author, Land Use Law Alert (April 2020)

"New COPA Policy Now in Effect as of June 2, 2019," co-author, Real Estate Alert (June 2019)

"Court Strikes Down Alameda Impact Fees in Boatworks, LLC v. City of Alameda" co-author, Land Use Alert (May 2019)

"San Francisco Nonprofits Granted Right of First Offer to Purchase Residential Buildings With Three or More Units", co-author, Land Use Law Alert (May 2019)

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