Michael A Francis

Mr. Francis’ experience extends to: (a) CEQA matters related to the redevelopment of a potted plant nursery into a residential development; (b) Hazardous Waste enforcement and compliance matters related to industrial manufacturing facilities; (c) Toxic Release Inventory alleged violations involving an expanded form product manufacturer; (d) Proposition 65 litigation involving a faucet distributor and a metal finisher and a vitamin manufacturer; (e) South Coast Air Quality Management District (“SCAQMD”) air pollution compliance and enforcement matters for industrial clients, and (f) Waste Water compliance and enforcement matters, including citizen suits involving the Clean Water Act.

Mr. Francis’ litigation experience includes environmental cost recovery prosecution and defense, air pollution and wastewater enforcement defense, lease enforcement and defense of environmental claim arising under lease provisions, toxic tort defense, and CEQA compliance. He routinely counsels his clients regarding compliance with environmental statutes and regulations, cost-recovery and remediation of contaminated properties, hazardous waste clean-up projects, regulatory agency requirements, insurance coverage for environmental claims, and environmental issues in real property and corporate transactions. Mr. Francis frequently negotiates contracts and settlements with federal and state environmental agencies involving clean air, clean water, CERCLA, and other environmental issues. He has defended corporations and persons accused of civil and criminal violations of environmental laws and regulations.

Mr. Francis has successfully negotiated cleanup standards and consent orders with both the United State EPA and DTSC at the numerous major Superfund sites. Recently, Mr. Francis successfully arbitrated a complex superfund contribution dispute involving over 30 potentially responsible parties which was ultimately upheld by the California Supreme Court.

Mr. Francis has negotiated with regulatory agencies for the resolution of numerous alleged violations of the hazardous waste laws on behalf of a wide range of clients. In each of these cases, he persuasively advocated his clients’ position.  Through Mr. Francis’ extensive negotiation experience with DTSC, RWQCB, AQMD, and other agencies, Mr. Francis and agency personnel have developed a mutual respect for each other which favorably serves our clients’ interests.

Mr. Francis provides guidance in real estate lease negotiations and purchase and sale agreement negotiations re environmental matters.

Mr. Francis assists and represent clients in connection with the investigation and clean up of their respective properties with government agency over site.  Mr. Francis successfully obtained numerous agency “No Further Action” letters and “Comfort Letters” in connection with such site investigations and clean ups.

Community & Professional

• Los Angeles County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section, Executive Committee
• American Bar Association, Section on Natural Resources Law
• State Bar of California
• University of California at Los Angeles, Instructor:
  • “Regulatory Framework for Toxic and Hazardous Substances,”
  • “Managing Environmental Compliance”
• Government Institutes – California and Federal Environmental Law