About Amy
Amy Steinfeld: Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Industry Lawyer in Santa Barbara, California
As a dedicated cannabis industry lawyer, Amy Steinfeld brings her expertise to bear on some of the most complex legal issues facing cultivators on the Central Coast. Her firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, is based in Santa Barbara, California and she serves as the managing partner for their office there.
Practice Areas
- Cannabis Law
- Litigation - Environmental
Amy’s practice focuses at the intersection of land use and water law. She supports greenhouse and outdoor sun-grown cannabis and hemp cultivators on the Central Coast through the permitting and licensing process to ensure compliance with California's complex land use, zoning, environmental and water laws. This comprehensive approach is vital as they navigate one of the most heavily regulated industries in the state.
Awards
- Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2021 for her expertise in both Cannabis Law and Environmental Litigation.
Amy has been involved with cannabis-related issues in California since the passage of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana use. By connecting water law to land use, she bridges two critical elements in cannabis cultivation projects. Her deep understanding of water supply strategy, local policies, and public outreach positions her as a leader at the intersection of these fields.
Professional Background
- MSc Environmental Science from the University of Colorado Boulder (2015)
Amy is also co-founder and co-chair of California H2O Women Conference, which aims to provide a platform for collaboration and support among women leaders in the water industry. Her commitment to empowering women extends beyond her professional responsibilities.
Education & Credentials
- B.S., Environmental Engineering from University of Colorado Boulder (2012)
- MSc, Environmental Science from the same university (2015)
Amy is a licensed attorney in California and holds memberships with various legal organizations. She has worked on numerous high-stakes cannabis-related cases, including multi-party CEQA lawsuits, ensuring that her clients are not only legally compliant but also well-equipped to deal with the challenges inherent in such projects.
Language Proficiency
- Cultivates proficiency in English and Spanish for better client service across diverse demographics.
Amy’s journey began at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, where she works tirelessly to advocate for her clients in the realm of cannabis cultivation. Her ability to anticipate decision-makers’ viewpoints has been crucial in moving even the most contentious projects forward without delay. Through her extensive network and collaborative approach, Amy leverages state agencies and local governments effectively.
With a deep understanding of water law and land use, Amy provides unparalleled support for water districts, cities, agricultural interests, and developers. Her experience covers all facets of land development—from site due diligence to environmental document preparation—giving her clients the edge they need in this ever-evolving landscape.
