Nicki Carlsen

Nicki Carlsen: Leading Land Use & Environmental Litigation Attorney in Los Angeles

Nicki Carlsen is a highly experienced and respected attorney specializing in land use, environmental compliance, and litigation. For over 25 years, she has successfully navigated complex legal challenges for clients across a wide range of industries, including industrial, residential, and commercial developments. Ms. Carlsen is the co-leader of the firm’s Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources Group, demonstrating a deep commitment to protecting her clients’ interests and ensuring successful project outcomes.

Known for her strategic approach and thorough understanding of federal, state, and local regulations, Nicki expertly guides clients through every stage of a project – from initial conception and entitlement acquisition to ongoing compliance and defense against legal challenges. Her expertise encompasses a comprehensive suite of legal services, including but not limited to CEQA and NEPA compliance, California Coastal Act matters, Clean Water Act litigation, endangered species act consultations, and cultural resources investigations. She has a proven track record of success in both prosecuting claims and defending project approvals in trial and appellate courts.

Nicki’s deep knowledge of land use law allows her to expertly handle a vast array of project entitlements. She possesses extensive experience securing general plan amendments, specific plans, development agreements, zone changes, subdivisions, conditional use permits, variances, and grading approvals. Furthermore, she’s proficient in obtaining specialized environmental permits vital to project success, such as coastal development permits, Section 404 permits, and “take” permits. Her ability to advise clients regarding proposed regulations at the local, state, and federal levels provides a crucial competitive advantage, allowing her clients to anticipate and proactively address potential legal hurdles.

Key Areas of Expertise: Nicki Carlsen’s practice is built upon a foundation of meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and a relentless pursuit of favorable outcomes for her clients. She specializes in:

• Land Use Litigation & Disputes: Nicki has a distinguished history of successfully defending project approvals in the trial and appellate courts, skillfully arguing cases before judges and juries.
• Environmental Compliance & Defense: She provides comprehensive counsel on navigating complex environmental regulations, including CEQA and NEPA, ensuring full compliance and mitigating potential liabilities.
• Regulatory Advocacy: Nicki actively monitors and analyzes proposed regulations at all levels of government, providing critical insights to her clients and advocating for their interests.
• Permit Acquisition: She expertly obtains a broad range of permits, including grading permits, building permits, encroachment permits, and specialized environmental permits crucial for project advancement.

Success in Litigation: Nicki's litigation prowess is underscored by her consistent record of success, having effectively defended project approvals and successfully prosecuted actions on behalf of property owners to secure land use entitlements. She is recognized in the 2017 edition of Best Attorney USA as a Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, reflecting her outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence. This recognition highlights her dedication to providing superior legal representation and achieving favorable results for her clients.

Practice Areas: Nicki Carlsen’s expertise spans a broad range of legal disciplines, including:

• Environmental Law: Protecting clients' interests in environmental matters and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Land Use and Zoning Law: Guiding clients through the complex process of obtaining land use approvals and resolving zoning disputes.
• Litigation - Environmental: Providing robust legal representation in environmental litigation cases.
• Litigation - Land Use and Zoning: Specialized litigation services related to land use and zoning regulations.
• Oil and Gas Law: Counsel related to Oil and Gas activities.

Education & Credentials: Nicki Carlsen is a respected legal professional with a distinguished career and a strong commitment to providing exceptional legal services. Her credentials include:

• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Los Angeles (2023 & 2018)
• Recognized: Environmental Law, Recognized: Land Use and Zoning Law, Recognized: Litigation - Environmental, Recognized: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Recognized: Oil and Gas Law
• Best Attorney USA Recognition: Recognized Since 2017
• City: Los Angeles
• State: California
• Country: United States

Contact Information: To discuss your land use or environmental legal needs, contact Nicki Carlsen today for a consultation.