Ervin Cohen And Jessup Acquires Land Use Group

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May 17, 2016, 01:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Beverly Hills-based law firm Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP (ECJ) today announced the expansion of its land use capabilities with the addition of Ellia Thompson, Jonathan Riker and Jeffrey Harlan.

"Ellia and her team broaden the scope of our land use practice," said Ervin Cohen & Jessup's Managing Partner Barry MacNaughton. "We've always been known as one of the preeminent land use and entitlement firms in Beverly Hills and the surrounding area. We are now in a strong position to handle land use and entitlement disputes from Santa Barbara to San Diego, both on the planning and development side and in litigation. We can handle projects ranging from spec homes and smaller developments to multi-use projects to large commercial matters."

Thompson, who will chair ECJ's Land Use Group, said that while she makes all development, rezoning and construction projects come together as smoothly as possible, developers in the region have faced much more hostility in recent years. Neighborhood groups have become more aggressive and litigious toward projects they don't like and municipalities are filing more criminal actions over code violations and other land-use issues. Unlike many land-use attorneys, Thompson also excels at defending developers and property owners against prosecution.

"It's ugly out there," said Thompson, whose 17 years of experience includes various positions with the federal government, media outlets and in private practice as a land-use attorney. "We serve our clients best by keeping them out of the courtroom, but in the event that a lawsuit is filed, ECJ has trial attorneys who are experienced in real estate and land-use litigation."

Riker, in addition to being a seasoned land use attorney, also has experience as an urban planner and environmental consultant and teaches CEQA at UCLA. Harlan, who has worked for the L.A. City Attorney's Office and former Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, excels at community outreach, lobbying, government relations and entitlement processes.

About Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
From employment contracts and buyouts to real estate and taxes, Ervin Cohen and Jessup LLP draws upon a diverse group of professionals to solve the legal issue that will keep your business thriving. Responsive, resourceful, efficient and relatable are but a few words that our clients use to describe us. For more information, visit http://www.ecjlaw.com.

SOURCE Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP