Hanson Bridgett's Andrew Giacomini Takes Legal Action in Support of Farmworker Housing and Agriculture
October 21, 2024 (Marin County, CA) – Hanson Bridgett LLP’s former Managing Partner and market-leading trial lawyer, Andrew Giacomini, has filed several federal court motions to protect families currently living and working on agricultural properties in the Point Reyes National Seashore and West Marin region.
“The pressure put upon the existing ranchers in the Park by the environmental groups and the National Park Service is immense, and many of them are considering accepting a buyout of their leases, which will result in closing these historic ranches,” said Giacomini. “This will be a real blow to agriculture and also to the community of West Marin.”
The closures would be particularly devastating to the agricultural workers and their families who are currently living and working on these ranches and will lose their jobs and their homes if the ranches close. The agricultural workers are currently excluded from the negotiations, which are being held in secret.
“As a West Marin native, the people who live and work on these ranches are my neighbors and friends,” explained Giacomini, who is taking on the work in a Pro Bono capacity. “This population includes hardworking Latino farmworkers with deep ties to this community, and the goal is to make sure they have a voice and representation and are heard in these legal discussions that very much involve their homes and livelihood.”
The ongoing litigation stems from a 2022 lawsuit filed by three environmental organizations seeking to end agriculture within the Point Reyes National Seashore. The National Park Service had initially extended agricultural leases to 20-year terms under its new management plan, but the leases and ranching activities are now in jeopardy due to environmental concerns raised in the lawsuit.
A key concern for Giacomini and fellow community advocates is the severe housing crisis in West Marin, leaving potentially displaced farmworkers and their families with limited options and enormous challenges in finding affordable alternatives to remain in the community.
Hanson Bridgett’s proposal involves requiring the National Park Service to agree that the existing housing on any ranch that is forced to close will be preserved, which could involve collaboration with a local nonprofit intermediary to manage the housing in partnership with the National Park Service. This arrangement would allow the families to stay in their homes after the ranches close. Once the housing is secured, Hanson Bridgett would lead an effort to raise funds to improve the housing to current standards.
The federal court is expected to rule on the motion on November 22, 2024, and Giacomini and Hanson Bridgett continue to advocate fiercely for the families at risk.
Background on the Case
Leasing disputes between environmental groups, the National Park Service, and the ranchers over the past decade have placed significant pressure on the ranchers to be able to stay in business. This latest lawsuit has been a tipping point for many ranchers, prompting a lengthy mediation process that may involve ranchers forfeiting their leases and discontinuing the operations of their ranches – leaving ranch workers at risk of imminent displacement from their homes and jobs.
The buildings and housing on the ranch properties have deteriorated, as the ranchers haven’t had incentives to invest in or maintain the properties with the uncertainty of whether or not they will be able to continue to operate.
The motion to intervene on behalf of the approximately 75 workers and their families who have lived and worked on these properties – in many cases, for decades – is about protecting their right to live in their current homes as well as offering solutions to preserve and improve the housing.
About Hanson Bridgett LLP
Hanson Bridgett LLP is a full-service AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys across California. Creating a diverse workforce by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and intentional support has been a priority at Hanson Bridgett since its founding in 1958. We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds, both for attorneys and administrative professionals. As the first law firm recognized as a certified B Corp, we are committed to the communities where our employees live and work and consider it part of our professional obligation to serve justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono and social impact work.
For media inquiries contact:
Patrick L. Clos
Communications Manager
Hanson Bridgett LLP
415-995-5098
pclos@hansonbridgett.com