LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Margaret Sohagi, Founding Partner of environmental and land use law firm, The Sohagi Law Group, today was named among National Law Journal’s list of Elite Boutique Trailblazers.
National Law Journal says it compiles the list to “spotlight those making a big difference,” and describes those chosen for the honor as having “shown a deep passion and perseverance in pursuit of their mission, having achieved remarkable successes along the way.”
Sohagi started her career as a city planner dealing with housing, land use and Coastal Act issues after college. “It became clear that to understand these issues fully, you had to understand the law. So I went to law school,” Sohagi said. “My clients are elected officials. Agencies have unique laws and constraints and face complex issues. Being in a smaller firm, we can brainstorm as a group. Along with my city planning background, another attorney is an engineer, one is a soil scientist, and one is an air quality expert. Being small also allows us to set up the firm's nonhierarchical manner. It allows more creativity and lets us mentor new associates and provide them with lots of support.”
Sohagi’s practice for the last 30 years has focused on assisting cities, counties, and other public agencies navigate the legal complexities of land use, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Sohagi and her team of professionals provide constructive legal advice, working directly with lead agency counsel, staff, and appointed elected officials. When necessary, they defend lead agencies’ land use approvals and environmental determinations in judicial proceedings, and frequently lead mediation teams in settlement discussions.
Sohagi told National Law Journal that there is increased complexity around the environment and land use. “Our federal government and California are not on the same page with respect to environmental protection. Balancing that can be difficult for clients.”
As a longstanding CEQA instructor for California’s Continuing Judicial Studies Program, Sohagi has the unique opportunity to instruct Superior Court judges, appellate justices and court attorneys. Sohagi keeps public agencies informed about the latest legal developments and trends, frequently presenting at planning and legal conferences and teaching at UCLA and USC. She also contributes to publications such as the Solano Press book, Exactions and Impact Fees in California.
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Business Journal recognized Sohagi as a Leader in Law nominee, and the International Municipal Lawyers Association awarded her its Amicus Service Award for her work on the City of Oakland’s public art ordinance. Finally, her firm received the Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Top Boutique status for its work in land use law.
About The Sohagi Law Group
The Sohagi Law Group handles complex transactional and litigation matters for public agencies, including cities, counties, townships, state agencies, special districts, commissions and authorities. Its attorneys draw upon their extensive expertise in all areas of environmental and land use law to advise clients in navigating existing laws and regulations and keep them up to date on emerging environmental issues such as climate change and greenhouse gas regulation.