Directory of fellows
Patricia J. Chen
Fellow since 2026
Irvine,
California
Region 9 serving AZ, CA, HI, NV, and certain territories
Environmental Law Topic
With over two decades of experience in environmental law and an undergraduate degree in Applied Ecology (joint degree in environmental studies and biology), Ms. Chen understands the technical complexities of environmental issues and offers insightful solutions to her clients’ legal needs. Her pragmatic approach and cost-effective strategies set her apart, and her clients recognize her value and contributions to projects.
Degrees
- University of California at Irvine - B.S. Applied Ecology
- University of California College of Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) - J.D.
Admissions
- California
Court Admissions
United States District Court - Central, Northern, Southern, and Eastern District of CaliforniaProfessional Societies and Organizations
- American College of Environmental Lawyers
- California Lawyers Association Environmental Law Section
Other Environmental Career Experience
- “Batten Down the Hatches: CEQA and Ocean Plan Implications to Seawater RO Plants,” AMTA/SWMOA Technology Transfer Workshop, July 24, 2024.
- “Environmental Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions,” Co-Chair of seminar sponsored by Law Seminars International on January 11, 2017.
- "Sustainable Development: Moving Beyond Green Building Toward Sustainable Building and Sustainable Master Planning,” Webinar Co-Sponsored by the Environmental and Real Property Law Sections of the California Bar, May 2010
- “CEQA 2008: New Directives from the Court and Legislature,” UCLA Extension, Public Policy Program, Land Use Law and Planning Conference, January 2009
- The Impact of Climate Change on Land Use: A CEQA Perspective,” University of California at Irvine, Focus the Nation, January 2008
Representative Publications (not including ACOEL Blogs)
“Navigating California’s Reach, aka, the Green Chemistry Initiative,” ABA Natural Resources & Environment Retail Edition, Vol. 26, No. 4, Spring 2012.Citations of Major Published Cases
- Southern California Gas Company v. South Coast Air Quality Management District, 200 Cal. App. 4th 251 (October 27, 2011)
- City of Irvine v. Southern California Association of Governments, 175 Cal. App. 4th 506 (June 30, 2009)