Deborah M. Rosenthal, FAICP

OF COUNSEL

Deborah M. Rosenthal, FAICP, is of counsel specializing in Real Estate, Land Use and Natural Resources, and Environmental.

Practice Areas

Ms. Rosenthal devotes her practice to land use and environmental law and litigation. She works extensively with land use and environmental issues in California, including wetlands, endangered species, takings, historic preservation, mitigation banking, and coastal issues. Deborah has also been involved in a variety of complex federal- and state-coordinated environmental permitting programs for large private developments, including the negotiation of development agreements and preparation of development plans.

A major portion of her practice is devoted to CEQA, inverse condemnation, and general plan litigation in connection with land use entitlements for large residential real estate developers. She has also represented clients in complex land use litigation throughout California. Immediately before admission to the California bar, Deborah served as Executive Director of the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois.

Bar Admissions

  • California

  • Illinois

  • US Supreme Court

  • USDC, Central District of California

  • California Supreme Court

  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

  • Supreme Court of Illinois

Education

  • J.D., Yale Law School

  • M.A., Master of Regional and City Planning, University of Oklahoma

  • B.A., University of Michigan

Professional Honors and Memberships

  • The University of California, Riverside Extension Design Thinking Advisory Board

  • University of Oklahoma, College of Architecture, Regional and City Planning, Outstanding Alumni (2013)

  • Top Rated Lawyer for Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources by American Lawyer Media (2013)

  • Top Rated Lawyer in Land Use and Zoning by American Lawyer Media (2013)

  • Southern California Super Lawyers Martindale-Hubbell (2021)

  • AV Preeminent Rated Lawyer (current)

  • International Municipal Lawyers Association, Amicus Service Award (2011)

  • Southern California Super Lawyer for Land Use and Zoning (2005 through 2020)

  • California Preservation Foundation Service Award (2002)

  • Jewish Federation of Orange County, Jerusalem Leadership Award (1995)

  • Member, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

  • Member, Amicus Curiae Committee, American Planning Association

  • Trustee, California Preservation Foundation

  • Member, Lambda Alpha International, Orange County Chapter

  • Associate Member, Urban Land Institute

  • Member, CPF Advocacy Committee

  • Past President, Jewish Family Service of Orange County

  • Founding Director, Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation

  • Founding Board Member, Preserve Orange County

  • Fellow, American Institute of Certified Planners

  • Vice-Chair, American Planning Association Amicus Curiae Committee

  • Member, Legislative and Policy Steering Committee for the American Planning Association