Background
Natural resources attorney with expertise in land use, housing, CEQA and water matters. Specialized experience in housing, renewable energy, winery and other real estate development projects, as well as water supply related litigation. A committed team leader with an innovative, business-oriented approach to representation and advocacy.
Chris Guillen serves as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex deals and projects involving natural resources. He approaches each matter with a clear focus on practical problem-solving—helping clients assess risk, understand regulatory constraints, and make informed business decisions that align with their long-term objectives.
His practice sits at the intersection of real estate development and water-related issues, with deep experience in California housing law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). He works with a diverse range of clients, including private property owners, developers, farmers and wineries, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
His work includes guiding clients through due diligence for housing developments and natural resource investments; representing landowners in water rights disputes; challenging overly restrictive land use regulations; defending agricultural operations in land use permit appeals; and resolving disputes arising from flood and erosion events. He also advises landowners and renewable energy developers on land transitions and natural resource asset opportunities—helping them entitle projects, structure viable paths forward, and, when necessary, successfully navigate litigation.
Chris maintains a robust pro bono practice and sits on the firm’s Pro Bono Committee.
Representative Matters
- Counsel for utility scale solar developer in all water, land use and environmental review related matters for its development and litigation defense of a 90 MW solar / 90 MW battery energy storage project approved in San Diego County; successful in defending the approved project against all claims in trial court and court of appeal.
- Provided opinion on environmental laws to assist renewable energy developer in obtaining construction financing for project.
- Counsel for numerous battery energy storage (BESS) projects, providing assistance on site acquisition, entitlement, and post-entitlement matters.
Insights & Publications
Insights & Publications
News
News
Credentials
Education
- J.D., 2014, Loyola Law School, Dean’s List
- B.A., 2011, University of California at Santa Barbara, Environmental Studies
Admissions
- California
Community Involvement
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
Former Board of Directors, Groundwater Resources Association, Central Coast Chapter
Recognition
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
