Category: Firm Spotlight

Meyers Nave is Lead Counsel on BNSF’s Landmark Barstow International Gateway (BIG) Project, Securing Barstow City Council Approval and First-of-Its-Kind SB 149 Certification

Meyers Nave is lead counsel to BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) on the Barstow International Gateway (BIG) project, one of the most significant private freight infrastructure investments in California history. On June 17, 2026, the Barstow City Council approved the project, marking a landmark milestone in a matter that spans land use, environmental law, CEQA strategy, transportation infrastructure, and statewide economic policy.

The BIG project is a $4 billion, 4,500-acre, state-of-the-art integrated rail facility scheduled to break ground later this year on the west side of Barstow, California. The project has received gubernatorial certification as a transportation-related infrastructure project under Senate Bill 149 (SB 149). As BNSF noted in announcing the City Council’s approval, it is the first transportation-related project “and one of only 10 local or regional transportation projects statewide to earn the designation.” As found by California’s Governor in certifying BIG under that statute, BIG “represents $4 billion private investment in California, will help reduce congestion in Port-adjacent communities, improves supply chain reliability, and support the transition to a zero-emission freight system.”

For certified projects, any CEQA litigation challenging the environmental impact report or project approvals, including appeals, must be resolved within 270 days, providing critical scheduling certainty for a project of this scale and complexity.

“The Barstow International Gateway represents a fundamental shift in California freight infrastructure: moving goods from port-dependent congestion to a rail-centered, inland logistics model. For BNSF, SB 149 certification brings meaningful schedule certainty to one of the most consequential freight infrastructure projects in the state.”

— Amrit Kulkarni, Principal & Chair, Land Use, Environmental Law, and Transportation & Infrastructure Practice Group, Meyers Nave

The Meyers Nave team is led by Amrit Kulkarni and supported by multiple attorneys across the firm’s Land Use, Environmental, and Litigation practice groups.

The BIG project is designed to streamline goods movement between the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and destinations across the United States. Containers will move directly from ships to trains via the Alameda Corridor and along the BNSF mainline to Barstow, where freight will be processed using zero-emission cargo-handling equipment and routed across BNSF’s national rail network. The project is projected to eliminate approximately 205 million truck miles traveled in 2028, growing to 312 million truck miles by 2048 — reducing highway congestion and improving air quality across Southern California. Because of BIG’s innovative design, BIG will result in a net decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, one of the requirements for obtaining certification under SB 149.

The economic impact will be transformative, including approximately 62,000 construction-related jobs and 15,000 long-term operational jobs. Within the City of Barstow, BIG is expected to produce approximately 5,400 new direct jobs, $938 million in total earnings, and $2.9 billion in total economic output over its first 20 years of operation.

Learn more:

Read the full BNSF Press Release

Read the full Meyers Nave Press Release

Meyers Nave Announces Deborah J. Fox as Next Managing Principal

Los Angeles; December 23, 2025 — Meyers Nave proudly announces that Deborah J. Fox will become the firm’s next Managing Principal effective January 1, 2026. Fox succeeds David Skinner, who has led the firm for more than 15 years and will continue his active eminent domain practice following the transition.

“David’s steady leadership and vision have guided Meyers Nave through significant growth and evolution,” said Fox. “He has positioned the firm as one of California’s premier mid-sized law firms, and I am honored to build on that legacy while leading us into our next chapter.”

Fox, a trial lawyer and chair of the firm’s Trial & Litigation Practice and member of the Executive Committee, has been with Meyers Nave for 18 years. Known for her strategic counsel and courtroom acumen, she has represented clients in some of California’s most complex and high-profile cases. Her leadership combines deep litigation experience with a collaborative, client-focused approach that reflects the firm’s core values: service, integrity, excellence, and growth. She is the second woman to lead the Meyers Nave in its almost 40-year history.

“Deborah brings a rare mix of legal excellence, business acumen, and firm-first leadership,” said Skinner. “Her energy and vision will continue to drive Meyers Nave’s success for years to come.”

The transition coincides with the appointment of Martha Joerger as Executive Director, also effective January 1, 2026. Joerger will lead operational initiatives that advance the firm’s strategic priorities and support Fox in her dual role as Managing Principal and active litigator.

Meyers Nave remains focused on its core mission: partnering with clients across California to deliver exceptional results in and out of the courtroom. The firm’s leadership transition marks both continuity and forward momentum, strengthening its foundation while positioning for long-term growth.

 

About Meyers Nave
Meyers Nave is a full-service California law firm providing litigation, transaction, and regulatory compliance legal services to corporations, government entities, non-profits and public-private partnerships. Since 1986, the firm has combined deep California roots with a results-driven approach to complex legal challenges. Learn more about Meyers Nave.

Meyers Nave Ranked in Chambers Spotlight California 2025 Guide

We’re honored to announce that Meyers Nave has earned a ranking in the inaugural Chambers Spotlight California 2025 Guide, which highlights standout small and mid-sized firms across the state. Our firm was recognized for its work in Real Estate and Environment (Oakland) —two of our Land Use and Environmental practice areas where our team of attorneys have consistently delivered outstanding results for clients.

This recognition is the result of Chambers’ in-depth, independent research and reflects the experience, talent, and commitment of our attorneys to providing excellent legal counsel and practical solutions. It also reinforces our longstanding focus on California’s unique legal and regulatory landscape—one we know well and serve every day.

Chambers Spotlight is a new initiative aimed at connecting General Counsel and business decision-makers with high-performing, regionally focused firms. With over 18 million visits to Chambers.com in 2024 and 65% of Spotlight users working outside of legal services, this recognition enhances our visibility among a broader audience of corporate and government sector leaders.

We appreciate Chambers for this distinction and congratulate all of our Land Use & Environmental attorneys and staff for their continued hard work and success.

For more information, visit Chambers.com.

Meyers Nave and Sohagi Law Group Combine

Combination Creates Formidable Environmental and Land Use Practice in California

LOS ANGELES:

January 22, 2025 – Meyers Nave announced today that it has joined forces with The Sohagi Law Group (SLG), a California boutique environmental and land use law firm, effective February 1. SLG Founder and Managing Partner Margaret Sohagi, Partner Nicole Hoeksma Gordon, Partner R. Tyson Sohagi, Senior Of Counsel, Albert I. Herson, and Senior Associate Mark Desrosiers, based in Los Angeles, will join Meyers Nave.

“This combination brings together two premier environmental and land use groups that collectively work on some of the most prominent infrastructure, development and related litigation in California,” said Meyers Nave Managing Principal David Skinner. “The attorneys in both groups have known each other for years, often times working on the same projects.”

Margaret Sohagi, a trailblazer in environmental and land use law, founded her women-owned firm nearly two decades ago. Under her leadership, it has become one of California’s premier law firms, offering expert counsel in areas such as air quality, climate change, planning and zoning, water supply, energy and coastal resources. The firm is also renowned for its work in high profile California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and land use litigation.

“We have a longstanding relationship with Meyers Nave, sharing many common clients and having worked on some of the most advanced and complex projects across California. We have a shared commitment to excellence, especially in land use law and in delivering client service that is second to none,” said Margaret Sohagi. “Joining Meyers Nave expands our ability to service our clients and unlocks growth opportunities.”

The combination with SLG enhances Meyers Nave’s environmental and land use practices, led by Amrit Kulkarni. The firm represents government, private businesses and public-private partnerships involved in all types of development projects throughout California and services clients in several core industries, including transportation and infrastructure, energy, real estate and housing, water resources, government and public policy, sports and entertainment, and supply chain and logistics. The firm’s recognition as go-to land use law experts is underscored by its attorneys serving, since 2006, as co-managing editors and chapter authors of California Land Use Practice, an annually updated treatise published by Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB).

Margaret Sohagi, widely recognized as one of California’s leading land use attorneys and a former city planner, collaborates closely with clients to navigate the intricate legal landscape of land use, climate change, and CEQA at both administrative and judicial levels. As a longstanding CEQA instructor for California’s Continuing Judicial Studies Program, Margaret has had the unique opportunity to instruct Superior Court judges, appellate justices and court attorneys on the law. She earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School (1986), and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Nicole Gordon advises clients on complex environmental and land use matters at the administrative, trial and appellate level. Her experience includes projects under CEQA, NEPA, the federal and California Endangered Species Act (ESA), and planning and zoning laws. She has successfully represented clients in high profile litigation, including at the California Supreme Court. Since 2021, Nicole has been co-chair for CLE International’s Annual CEQA Super Conference, and she is a former chair of the Environmental Law Section of the California Lawyers Association. The Los Angeles Business Journal named Nicole as one of California’s “Most Influential Women Attorneys” and a “Leader of Influence in Their 40s.” She earned her J.D. from University of Southern California, Gould School of Law (2005).

R. Tyson Sohagi, who earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. Berkeley, focuses his practice on environmental law, land use, planning, housing law, the Coastal Act, CEQA, NEPA, the Public Trust Doctrine and Election Law. He advises clients on infrastructure projects (transmission lines, port facilities, airport facilities, intermodal and on dock railroad facilities, utility plants), general plans, specific plans, specific development proposals, and other land use issues. Tyson authored Lexis Nexis’ CEQA Compliance Practice Guide. The Los Angeles Times named him “Legal Visionary” in 2024. He earned his J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (2007).

Albert I. Herson, an environmental attorney and planner with over 35 years of experience, advises public agencies on complex land use and environmental law matters, including CEQA, NEPA, and natural resources law. A co-author of widely used CEQA and NEPA guides, Mr. Herson has prepared and reviewed hundreds of CEQA documents for large-scale projects, including General Plans, EIRs, and regional transportation plans. Mr. Herson is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP) and Past President of the APA California Chapter. Mr. Herson earned his J.D. from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Mark Desrosiers focuses his practice on projects under CEQA and planning and zoning laws. Best Lawyers in America named Mark to its “Ones to Watch” list. Mark earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of San Francisco School of Law (2014).

###

About Meyers Nave

Founded in 1986, Meyers Nave celebrates more than three decades of prominent clients, dedicated employees and precedent-setting work. Meyers Nave is a full-service California law firm providing transaction, litigation and regulatory compliance legal services to corporations, government entities, non-profits and public-private partnerships. Learn more about Meyers Nave.

 

Meyers Nave Achieves Major Appellate Victory for Water Districts in Groundwater Management Case

We are pleased to announce a significant appellate victory for our clients, Mesa Water District, East Orange County Water District, and Yorba Linda Water District, in the case of Irvine Ranch Water District v. Orange County Water District. The California Court of Appeal’s decision upholds critical groundwater management practices that protect local ratepayers and ensure fair access to water resources.

Background of the Dispute

The litigation began in 2016 when Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) challenged the Orange County Water District’s (OCWD) management of the Orange County Groundwater Basin. IRWD sought to reclassify its recycled water, which would have allowed it to pump more groundwater at reduced costs, while shifting millions in expenses to other water suppliers. IRWD also aimed to secure approval for exporting water outside of OCWD’s jurisdiction, a move that threatened the reliability of the water supply serving 2.5 million residents in northern and central Orange County.

Meyers Nave was retained by Mesa Water District, East Orange County Water District, and Yorba Linda Water District to defend against IRWD’s claims and safeguard their interests. Working alongside the City of Anaheim and Golden State Water Company, we coordinated a common interest group that opposed IRWD’s efforts.

Appellate Court Decision

The Court of Appeal’s ruling is a pivotal win for our clients, affirming OCWD’s established groundwater management practices and prevailing on 15 out of 16 claims. The lone unfavorable ruling was effectively nullified by other decisions in our clients’ favor. The appellate court’s decision ensures fair groundwater access and rate stability for local communities, preventing the cost shifts IRWD sought to impose.

Acknowledgments

We are proud of the exceptional teamwork demonstrated by Meyers Nave throughout this litigation. With critical contributions from Kiana Amiri-Davani our team played a key role in this significant win for our clients. This result reflects our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and protecting vital public resources.

We remain committed to delivering outstanding legal representation and are honored to have played a role in preserving fair water management practices that benefit millions of Orange County residents.

For more details on the case and its outcomes, visit the Orange County Water District’s official announcement here.

Meyers Nave Secures Appellate Victory for City of San Diego in Utility Relocation Dispute

We are pleased to share a significant appellate victory achieved in partnership with our client, the City of San Diego. The Court of Appeal reversed the lower court in full, granting summary judgment in favor of the City in the dispute with San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) over utility relocation costs related to the City’s ambitious Pure Water Project.

Background of the Dispute

The case centered on the costs associated with relocating SDG&E’s gas pipelines and other utility infrastructure to facilitate the City’s ambitious Pure Water Project. This project is the largest and most costly infrastructure initiative ever undertaken by San Diego, with a total estimated cost of over $3 billion. Its goal is to convert sewage into potable water through advanced purification processes, aiming to significantly enhance the city’s water supply and sustainability.

In 2018, the City Council authorized an initial expenditure of $35 million to begin the relocation process, with the expectation that these costs would be covered by SDG&E under the terms of their franchise agreement. However, SDG&E contested this responsibility, leading to a legal dispute. The City argued that state law and the franchise agreement required SDG&E to bear the costs of relocating its infrastructure for public projects like Pure Water.

The lower court initially ruled against the City, placing the financial burden of relocation costs on San Diego taxpayers.

Appellate Court Decision

The appellate court’s decision marks a pivotal victory for the City. The court thoroughly reviewed the franchise agreements and determined that SDG&E is indeed responsible for covering the relocation costs. This ruling reverses the previous judgment and directs the superior court to enter summary judgment in favor of the City. Additionally, the court denied SDG&E’s petition for a rehearing.

This decision not only relieves the City of a significant financial burden but also supports the continued progress of the Pure Water Project without additional taxpayer expense.

Acknowledgments

This outcome highlights the successful collaboration between Meyers Nave and the City of San Diego. Our team, led by David Skinner with the invaluable support of Nicole Ries Fox and Kristof Szoke, is proud to have played a role in securing this favorable result.

We are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation and are honored to have supported the City in this important matter. The ruling ensures that resources can be allocated more effectively toward vital public infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

Meyers Nave Secures Second Dispositive Motion for Santa Barbara County in Pivotal Wildfire Case

Meyers Nave is proud to announce another landmark victory, this time in the complex wildfire litigation surrounding the 2017 Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow. The Thomas fire, sparked by power lines owned by Southern California Edison, burned more than 281,000 acres and was at the time the largest wildfire in recorded California history. The resulting debris flow overwhelmed the town of Montecito, causing more than 20 deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. In a subsequent legal maneuver, Edison attempted to recover $1 billion in damages by shifting blame onto the County of Santa Barbara and other public entities.

In response, the County, represented by our skilled Trial & Litigation Team, mounted a robust defense against these substantial indemnity claims. Our legal team’s aptitude was pivotal in eliminating significant damages through a series of strategic dispositive motions, demonstrating our deep understanding of environmental litigation and public entity defense.

Throughout the proceedings, Meyers Nave investigated complex issues involving the interplay of legal standards and the facts at issue. The firm also established comprehensive case and document management systems to effectively navigate the coordinated judicial process.

Our firm’s commitment to delivering excellent legal advice and achieving definitive results for our clients shines through. This victory not only emphasizes our capability to handle high-stakes, complex legal challenges but also our dedication to safeguarding the interests of public entities across California.

Deborah Fox, who leads our Trial and Litigation practice group and the County of Santa Barbara team, commented, “This case highlights the crucial role of skilled legal advocacy in defending public entities against substantial and often unprecedented legal challenges. Our team’s ability to effectively manage and litigate complex environmental and indemnity issues has led to significant outcomes that not only benefit our client but also set a precedent for future wildfire litigation.”

Meyers Nave continues to demonstrate unparalleled capability and dedication, reinforcing why we are the go-to law firm for high-profile legal matters in California.

Learn more about our Trial and Litigation capabilities and how we partner with clients to navigate complex legal landscapes.

Meyers Nave Adds Principal Nadia Bermudez in San Diego

October 2, 2023

Meyers Nave announces the addition of Nadia P. Bermudez as a principal in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice. With more than two decades of experience, Bermudez joins the firm’s San Diego office.

Bermudez represents businesses, public agencies, and individuals in state and federal courts in a wide range of employment matters, such as class and Private Attorneys General Act actions, wage and hour matters, harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, unfair competition and trade secret claims. She also has experience with workplace investigations, handling matters involving harassment, bullying and abusive conduct, workplace threats, retaliation, and fraud, among other allegations of misconduct. Bermudez is also highly sought after to counsel and advise clients on harassment prevention, reasonable accommodation and disability law, and diversity and inclusion.

Managing Principal David Skinner states: “We are thrilled that Nadia is joining Meyers Nave as a Principal.  She is an outstanding addition to our Labor & Employment Practice Group, and we look forward to her leadership.”

Bermudez was recently appointed to the Advisory Board for the Ninth Circuit, serving a three-year term through 2026. She was also appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Judicial Selection Advisory Committee for San Diego and Imperial Counties, serving as Vice Chair since 2019. Additionally, Bermudez has been a member of the Merit Selection Panel for U.S. Magistrate Judges, serving as chair on a pair of reappointment selection panels in 2019 and 2021. She is a member of Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Advisory Committee for the Southern District of California, recommending nominees for the positions of U.S. District Court Judge, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Marshal since 2009. Bermudez served as a Lawyer Representative for the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, including co-chairing the program from 2017-2019 and receiving the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award.

“Our labor and employment practice has seen tremendous demand, and we look forward to continuing our growth in Southern California. Nadia brings exceptional employment litigation and investigations experience and next-level client service, helping clients in a variety of industries navigate California’s complex business environment,” said Camille Hamilton Pating, Chair of Meyer Nave’s Labor & Employment Practice.

Bermudez is actively involved with the San Diego legal community. She has held numerous positions with the Lawyers Club of San Diego, including serving as president (2008-2009), vice president (2007-2008), advisory board member (2009-2010, 2013-2014, 2019-2023) and co-chair of the Diverse Women’s Committee (2013-2014). Bermudez is also a member of and has held leadership roles with the San Diego and California La Raza Lawyers associations, the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA), the Hispanic National Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association. From 2020-2023, she served on the San Diego Superior Court’s Committee on the Elimination of Bias.

“For over two decades, I’ve been proud to know Nadia Bermudez as an ally, a friend, and a brilliant lawyer. Nadia’s partnership with Meyers Neve not only reunites us as partners, but also enhances the Meyers Nave brand as the go-to California-based firm for legal talent” said Janice Brown, a principal in Meyers Nave’s Labor & Employment Practice.

Bermudez was named a “Leader in the Law” by the San Diego Business Journal in 2022 and 2019, as well as receiving “Best of the Bar” award in 2014 and a “Women Who Mean Business” award in 2009. The San Diego Daily Transcript has named her a “Top Attorney – Labor & Employment” in 2014, 2010 and 2007, as well as a “Top Young Attorney” in 2007. She also received the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association “Award for Service” in 2019 and the SDCBA “Service Award for Diversity” in 2014. Bermudez has been named to the San Diego Super Lawyers every year since 2015. She earned her J.D. from Stanford University School of Law (2001) and her B.A. from the University of California, Irvine (1998).

Meyers Nave Recognized as one of the 2023 “Most Admired Law Firms to Work For”

Meyers Nave is honored to be recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the Most Admired Law Firms to Work for in 2023.

Our firm takes great pride in our exceptional team, valued clients, collaborative accomplishments, and the values, principles, and professionalism that our firm embodies.

Read article here.

Los Angeles Business Journal Names Amrit Kulkarni to 2023 List of Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys

The Los Angeles Business Journal has named Amrit Kulkarni, the Chair of the firm’s Land Use, Environmental Law, and Transportation and Infrastructure practice groups, to its 2023 list of “Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys.” The feature profiles “minority attorneys considered to be particularly impactful on the legal scene while serving as trusted advisors in the Los Angeles area.”

Amrit was noted as a “California infrastructure heavyweight, providing transaction and litigation counsel on many of the state’s and Los Angeles area’s highest profile, most complex, and sometimes controversial commercial and urban development projects.”

The LABJ highlighted Amrit’s experience serving local, state and national clients involved in the development of airports, passenger transit systems, freight rail networks, ports, highways, water resources, mixed-use residential developments, university campus expansions, and a wide range of commercial and industrial facilities. Amrit also provides transactional counsel during a project’s planning, development and implementation phases, as well as litigation expertise when clients need to defend or challenge a project.

Learn more about Amrit and his practice.

View the LABJ’s 2023 List of Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys.