|
Kent, a member of our public law group, has developed a practice dedicated to public, environmental and construction law during his 25 year career. His practice includes both litigation and non-litigation legal support. His career began with ten years of service as deputy district attorney, where he enjoyed a heavy litigation practice including the traditional prosecution of blue-and-white collar crimes.For the last fifteen years, Kent has served as district counsel for a number of public agencies within the San Francisco Bay Area including Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Novato Sanitary District, West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, Crockett-Valona Sanitary District and others. In addition, he has provided special counsel services to a variety of other public agencies including cities, counties and special districts. Before joining Meyers Nave, Kent was a partner in the Walnut Creek firm of Sellar, Hazard, McNeely, Alm & Manning for 17 years. Kent graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1970, majoring in social and political sciences and received his J.D. degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1973. Kent has served as chair of a state-wide attorney's committee dealing with wastewater and recycled water issues and has served for a number of years on a state-wide legislative committee focusing on public law, environmental and public works construction issues. He is a member of the public law and environmental law sections of the State Bar and is active in the California Association of Sanitary Agencies (CASA). Kent's practice includes 10 years in the District Attorney's office, with a portion of his practice for several years involving prosecution for environmental crimes.Kent's practice has focused on representation of public agencies primarily concerning utilities and environment matters during his 18 years of private practice. He has provided general counsel and special counsel services to numerous Special Districts and other local agencies related to waste water, (Clean Water Act) solid waste, groundwater contamination, CERCLA, environmental insurance coverage and related issues.Kent's substantial experience with providing general counsel services to wastewater agencies has provided him with an in-depth background in matters involving the Clean Water Act and the Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act, including representation before administrative bodies, permitting, penalty assessments and related administrative appeals and litigation. His litigation experience also includes defense of citizen complaints under environmental statutes.Kent has handled several pieces of significant CERCLA Litigation, one serving as Lead Counsel and member of the Defense Steering Committee in a 30 party CERCLA contribution action related to a hazardous waste landfill closure. Kent has been active with regard to groundwater contamination matters involving solvents and petroleum products including MTBE. He has participated in legislative analysis and advocacy for public groups on various pieces of legislation concerning ground water contamination and other environmental issues affection public agencies. Title: Principal Location: Oakland Phone: 510.808.2000 Email: kalm@meyersnave.com Vcard: Kent Alm | 