Overview
Chelsea is a shareholder in the Public Law Department. Chelsea advises local governments on a wide variety of governmental law, transactional and advisory matters. Her practice focuses on public and land use law issues, including matters relating to CEQA, CESA, the Brown Act, SB 1383, compliance with conflicts of interest rules and the Public Records Act.
Work for Clients
Chelsea currently serves as City Attorney for the City of Solvang and Assistant City Attorney for the City of Pismo Beach. She formerly served as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Solvang. Chelsea also represents cities and public agencies throughout California on complex land use, planning and CEQA matters.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining Richards, Watson & Gershon, Chelsea worked as an associate for Venable LLP in Washington, D.C. where she gained broad experience in environmental and administrative law. Chelsea has experience advising clients on environmental liability management strategies and environmental due diligence in a variety of transactional contexts and is practiced at assisting clients on environmental and natural resource issues related to infrastructure development.
Honors & Awards
Rising Star in Southern California edition of Super Lawyers, 2024, 2025
Rising Star in Washington D.C. edition of Super Lawyers, 2020
Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Environmental Law Journal, 2014-2015
News
Presentations
Chelsea has delivered presentations on the National Environmental Policy Act and the Council on Environmental Quality’s updated regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act.
Education
J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
B.S., Saint Mary’s College of California
