Biography
Sandi L. Nichols, co-chair of the firm’s Environmental and Natural Resources Group, practices in the areas of environmental, natural resources and land use counseling and litigation, primarily handling litigation under the federal Clean Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). She has handled all phases of litigation from discovery through mediation, trial and appeal in state and federal court cases relating to contaminated soil, sediments, groundwater and surface waters, resulting from petroleum, chemical use and disposal, battery reclamation activities and industrial port-related activities. She has also handled indoor air quality litigation and environmental insurance coverage matters. Sandi also assists in the preparation of negative declarations and environmental impact reports, and represents clients in litigation under CEQA. She has litigated eminent domain actions and title and boundary disputes. Sandi has counseled lenders and fiduciaries on environmental matters, including the development and implementation of environmental policies, and management of environmentally-impaired trust and estate assets and real property security.
Prior to joining Allen Matkins in 2007, Sandi was the Managing Partner of the California Offices of Stoel Rives LLP (2001-2006). She began her legal career with Washburn, Briscoe & McCarthy in 1981 and was its Managing Shareholder from 1996 until the merger with Stoel Rives in 2001.
Memberships
- State Bar of California, Sections on Litigation, Environment and Real Property
- American Bar Association, Section on Natural Resources, Energy and Environment
- Bar Association of San Francisco, Environment and Water Section
- Queen’s Bench
- Association of Environmental Professionals
- Groundwater Resources Association
Community Activities
- Menlo School, National Mock Trial Competition, Attorney-Coach (2002-2008)
- Hastings College of the Law Mentor Program, Mentor
- Crocker School Site Council, Crocker Middle School, Hillsborough, CA, Chair (1999-2001)
- The Carey School, San Mateo, CA, Trustee (1995-98)
- AYSO soccer coach, Burlingame, CA (1990-97)
- Carey School Parents Association, President (1994-95)
Accolades
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Best Lawyers in America (2009-2012)
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San Francisco Business Times Best Lawyers in the Bay Area (2009-2011)
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San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco’s Top Attorneys (2010-2011)
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Super Lawyers Northern California in Environmental Litigation (2004-2011)
- Recognized in Top Rated Lawyers-AV® Preeminent™ Guide to Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Law (2012)
- Martindale-Hubbell® A-V Rating
- Recognized in Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™ as AV Preeminent
- Stanford University Mediation Certificate (1994)
- Who’s Who in American Law
- Who's Who of Emerging Leaders of America
Education
Sandi received her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1978. She received her J.D. from U.C. Hastings College of the Law in 1981. While at U.C. Hastings, she served as the Associate Research Editor for COMM/ENT Law Journal (1980-81) and as a Teaching Assistant for Criminal Law (1979-80). Sandi was also a recipient of the U.C. Newhouse, U.C. Towne, and 1066 Foundation Scholarships.
Bar Admissions