With a wealth of experience representing clients in environmental negotiations, enforcement actions, and in front of federal and state regulators, Cynthia has litigated environmental claims across administrative, state and federal courts. She regularly handles matters in the following areas:
- Agricultural regulation
- Brownfield redevelopment
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability (CERCLA) / Superfund sites
- Environmental diligence, risk analyses, and mitigation
- Hazardous substances
- Landfills, solid waste, hazardous waste
- Odor nuisance class actions
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants
- Remediation of contaminated sites
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM)
Much of Cynthia’s practice deals with the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites nationwide, and creatively shepherding them through federal and state remediation programs. This includes determining and implementing creative and sophisticated legal and technical strategies, leading Potentially Responsible Party groups, negotiating and minimizing liability, and related litigation. She also works closely with clients’ legal, engineering and remediation teams to efficiently handle enforcement actions or compliance issues, while considering litigation strategies and remaining cognizant of each client’s risk profile before advising on transactions with potential environmental repercussions.
Cynthia also excels at analyzing real estate transactions and tax credit projects for environmental risks, providing strategic advice to understand and minimize liabilities. She provides clients with a regulatory focus addressing emerging or unique contaminants such as PFAS, 1,4 dioxane and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM).
Prior to law school, Cynthia conducted public affairs and media relations for the Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter of the Building Industry Association and provided public relations services to a variety of organizations including public companies, government entities and nonprofits.
WHEN ASKED …
Why did you become a lawyer?
I wanted to contribute a perspective that would help drive environmental stewardship in an efficient manner. I knew it would be satisfying to deeply understand our clients’ businesses and collaborate to achieve their goals.
What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work, I live the Colorado dream, enjoying the mountains with my husband and kids through skiing, hiking, camping and by attempting to become a mountain biker (it’s hard!).
