Christopher R. Guillen

Natural resources attorney combining expertise in land use, CEQA and water resources issues. Specialized experience in infrastructure, real estate development projects and water-related litigation. A committed team leader with an innovative, business-oriented approach to representation and advocacy. 

With combined experience in regulation and litigation, Chris Guillen acts as a trusted advisor on complex projects as they relate to natural resources issues. His expertise spans the intersection of land use and water law, with a particular emphasis in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

Chris relies on his unique experience to provide strategic counsel on all issues pertaining to water rights, including water-related litigation, water transactions, compliance with state regulations and water right permitting issues. His clients range from public water agencies to corporations and private property owners. Chris also advises landowners, developers, agricultural interests and energy companies on environmental review under CEQA and land use permitting requirements during all phases of project development and litigation. 

Examples of his work include: due diligence for housing developments and natural resources investment companies, representing landowners in water rights litigation, challenging overly restrictive land use ordinances, defending agricultural interests against appeals of land use permits, and helping large landowners and solar project developers vet land transition and natural resource asset opportunities, entitle their projects and withstand litigation when necessary.

Chris maintains a robust pro bono practice and sits on the firm’s Pro Bono Committee.

Education

• J.D., 2014, Loyola Law School, Dean’s List
• B.A., 2011, University of California at Santa Barbara, Environmental Studies

Admissions

• California

Memberships

Member, Urban Land Institute (Los Angeles)

Member, Groundwater Resources Association of California

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Board of Directors, Home Builders Association of the Central

Board Member, Central Coast Chapter of the Groundwater Resources Association

Board of Directors, Coastal Housing Coalition

Advisor, California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law Section

AWARDS

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, 2024-2026

Pacific Coast Business Times, Who’s Who in Commercial Real Estate Construction, 2022-2024

Pacific Coast Business Times, 2022