Lake Tahoe law firm sets bar for environmental cases

NEWS RELEASE — With recent success guiding the approval process for major projects at Lake Tahoe, the accomplishments of law firm Feldman McLaughlin Thiel reflect a rising correlation in the spectacular mountain community between a healthy environment and a healthy economy.

Endorsement of both the Boulder Bay Resort at North Shore and Sierra Colina Village at South Shore – the latter a victory in federal court on behalf of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency against the League to Save Lake Tahoe – an affirmation of TRPA’s approval of the project, has confirmed responsible development and environmental protection effectively co-exist at Lake Tahoe.

“Project success for new and re-development requires both,” said Lew Feldman, the firm’s principal and a Tahoe resident since 1978. “While the process for approval can be challenging, it guarantees strong environmental gains and innovative business practices: a win-win formula for the area’s economy, environment and community.”

While the new firm of Feldman McLaughlin Thiel was formed in April 2011, the attorneys have been practicing law in the Tahoe Basin for a combined 50 years. In addition to its real estate and land use work, the firm also represents clients in civil trials and appeals and administrative proceedings, and provides advice and representation in estate planning, business formation and dissolution, construction, commercial transactions and landlord-tenant matters.

“The preservation of the Lake is paramount and a responsibility we all share now and for future generations,” said Feldman. “As a tourist destination, we also need to offer desirable amenities to keep visitors returning. Representing visionary people with ideas and responsible projects that meet those criteria is fulfilling.”

Boulder Bay Resort is expected to revitalize Crystal Bay and transform the existing Tahoe Biltmore property into a vibrant cultural center with an environmentally sustainable, economically viable, community oriented health and wellness center. Sierra Colina Village is planning to become the first neighborhood in the Lake Tahoe Basin to have all its homes meet state of the art green sustainability criteria.

Feldman McLaughlin Thiel’s experience demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of that process. According to Feldman, the firm’s long term relationships and trust among representatives of the various agencies are keys to accomplishment at Lake Tahoe.

“The historical perspective certainly plays a part in streamlining proposals,” said Feldman. “It definitely helps to know what the agencies require and the most effective ways to present that information.”

More About the Firm:

Partner Mike McLaughlin recently obtained a jury verdict in favor of a local property management company against charges of misappropriation of trade secrets and interference with contracts. In addition to representing clients in civil litigation matters, McLaughlin also practices in the areas of real estate, business and commercial transactions, and has expanded his practice to offer estate planning services to compliment his business planning practice.

Partner Kara Thiel brings direct knowledge of real estate, land use, environmental law and general civil litigation to the firm. Kara is a former planner for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and engineer for the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board.

Since 1991, Lew Feldman has represented numerous major development projects including the Tahoe Beach Club, Heavenly Village Redevelopment Project and several other hospitality, commercial and housing projects within the Tahoe Basin. Notably, Lew secured entitlements for the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences at Sierra Nevada College, which earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum status. The nationally recognized environmental science center is a partnership of the University of California, Davis, and Sierra Nevada College.

The firm practices in both California and Nevada and represents clients in civil trials and appeals and administrative proceedings before a number of local, state and federal regulatory agencies, including the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and other jurisdictions at Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley and Douglas County.

Feldman McLaughlin Thiel offices are at 178 U.S. Highway 50, Suite B in Zephyr Cove, Nev. The law office can be reached at (775) 580-7431. Visit them online at http://fmttahoe.com/.