EXPERIENCE

Mr. Yates began his career working in federal and international environmental law, including negotiating international treaties as an Assistant General Counsel with the White House Council on Environmental Quality and managing the Cuba-U.S. Environmental Law Program.  He then worked on NEPA, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act issues for the U.S. E.P.A. and the Bay Area Air Quality District. 

Mr. Yates has worked for the last 20 years advising environmental and community groups, homeowners, and California cities, counties and special districts.  Mr. Yates has over 20 years advising and litigating under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), compliance with Federal Endangered Species Act, zoning and planning, and open government law.

Mr. Yates has extensive experience representing clients in environmental law arenas - the State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Boards,  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Service and cities and counties across California.   On behalf of environmental and community groups, has has successfully litigated and prevailed in CEQA, Forest Practice Act, Brown Act, Public Record Act and Coastal Act cases in state court and Endangered Species Act cases in Federal Court.

BACKGROUND, EDUCATION AND MEMBERSHIPS

Ed was born and raised in Marin County with San Francisco roots going back to 1849. He received a degree in Political Science with an emphasis on environmental planning from UC Davis. He received a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law where he was a member of the school’s Law Review and recipient of the James R. Webb Award for highest grades in land use, environmental and real property law.  Ed served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras before starting his law career.   

He is a member of the California State Bar and admitted to practice in California, and Federal Court, in the Northern and Eastern District Courts in the Ninth Circuit.

Ed assists low income residents as a volunteer lawyer with the Marin County Lawyers in the Library program and volunteers as a scorer in the Marin High School Mock Trial Program.

An avid outdoors  enthusiast, Ed has hiked and biked on 4 continents and is always interested to hear of interesting natural and historical places in California. 

 Law Office of Edward E. Yates        20 Skylark Drive, Site 12, Larkspur, CA 94939
415-990-4805     eyates@marinlandlaw.com