Environmental attorney with expertise in complex, niche water resources issues. Unique practice combining litigation and transactional work. Known for approachable manner.
With an affable approach, Jessica Diaz embraces challenging legal questions and guides clients through uncertain terrain in the areas of water supply and land use in California. She also has experience with large, high-stakes real estate transactions related to water and assisting institutional corporate clients with niche water projects.
Assisting clients on a broad range of water, environmental and land use matters, Jessica’s practice encompasses regulatory compliance, development entitlements, due diligence on real estate transactions, public law and litigation issues. She helps corporate clients, land owners and public agencies navigate issues related to common law water rights, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, water diversion regulations, the California Environmental Quality Act, California Coastal Act, State Water Resources Control Board proceedings, mutual water companies, land use law, easements, takings challenges, well sharing agreements and disputes, government organization issues, and emerging legal questions faced by developers, water providers and water users.
Prior to her legal career, Jessica worked in both state and local government, informing her ability to advocate for the needs of public agency clients as well as private entities in the public agency sphere. She worked as an aide for a California state legislator, served as the district director for a Sonoma County supervisor and led a community-based nonprofit focused on affordable housing, labor and environmental issues.