David Cranston is one of California's preeminent environmental lawyers. In addition to Euromoney's Expert Guides, Mr Cranston is recognized as a leading environmental lawyer by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers and Southern California Super Lawyers. Chambers USA has noted that Mr Cranston is a "very strategic advocate" and "strong litigator" who has obtained "amazingly positive results." Mr Cranston's practice emphasizes the successful implementation of innovative and cost-effective strategies for favorable resolution of the complex and difficult environmental challenges facing his clients.
Mr Cranston founded Greenberg Glusker's Environmental Group and has specialized in environmental law for over 25 years. Mr Cranston's broad-based experience ranges from the litigation of complex environmental disputes under CERCLA, CEQA, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act to representation and counseling on regulatory and policy matters.
Representative Engagements:
Mr Cranston is relied upon by some of the country's largest companies to resolve environmental claims involving their portfolios of properties contaminated by legacy operations. At numerous sites throughout the country, Mr Cranston has recovered the costs of environmental cleanup from responsible parties and insurers.
Mr Cranston has represented his clients at numerous Superfund sites, including defense of U.S. EPA claims and the negotiation of administrative orders, consent decrees and allocation among potentially responsible parties. Mr Cranston has served as common or lead counsel for a number of defense groups in litigated and non-litigated matters.
Mr Cranston also has significant expertise in the environmental issues relating to oil and gas production. Mr Cranston led the litigation and negotiations on behalf of a municipality in Southern California resulting in a landmark settlement of hotly contested CEQA litigation over the future operation of Inglewood Oil Field.
Mr Cranston has represented clients in climate change and air quality litigation, regulation and counseling on policy and rule-making matters. For more than ten years, a coalition representing the California dairy industry in Central California has relied on Mr Cranston for counseling and litigation in a region known for significant air quality issues as well as aggressive challenges by environmental organizations. He has represented his clients on rule-making and legislation targeting greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr Cranston advises real estate investors and developers in connection with the acquisition and redevelopment of properties impacted by environmental contamination. He helps direct the due diligence, risk management and regulatory initiatives necessary for a successful transaction. Mr Cranston has worked with most of the major insurance markets in negotiating manuscripted environmental insurance policies to specifically address environmental risks arising from known and unknown pollution conditions. He has also helped his clients recover for claims under such policies.
