SAN FRANCISCO (January 14, 2005):   Farella Braun + Martel LLP announces that Buzz Hines, environmental partner in the firm’s San Francisco office, has been named chair of the firm’s twenty three-lawyer Environmental Law Department.

“Our national environmental practice has grown steadily over the past several years,” said firm chair William J. Schlinkert. “Buzz is a very talented partner, who is recognized both within the firm and in the legal community for his outstanding practice skills, effective mentoring of associate attorneys, excellent client development and client service and strong leadership qualities.”

Mr. Hines’ practice has focused on environmental law and litigation for nearly 20  years.   He is co-chair of the Environmental Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation.  He was a 2004 recipient of the Farella Braun + Martel Mentor of the Year Award. He is a frequent speaker on environmental law topics and has served as an adjunct professor for the Environmental Law Program at Golden Gate University School of Law.

He replaces Chris Locke, who has chaired the department since 2003. “Farella Braun + Martel has provided a great platform for the growth of our Environmental Law Department,” said Mr. Hines.   “I look forward to building on Chris’ legacy and to continuing to serve our clients and expand our environmental practice.”

Prior to entering private practice, he served as a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Section of the Environmental and Natural Resources Division in Washington, D.C.   Mr. Hines received his J.D. from Golden Gate University and his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra.

The Environmental Law Department of Farella Braun + Martel offers legal services in environmental law, products law, health and safety law, and natural resources law.  The practice is among the largest and most experienced in the nation, with over twenty dedicated environmental compliance counselors, regulatory representatives, litigators and trial attorneys.   Among its clients are General Electric, Levi Strauss & Co., McDonald’s Corporation, Wal-Mart, Catellus Development Corporation, City of Phoenix, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Pfizer, California State University, Genentech and Degussa Corporation. 

Press Contact:
Buzz Hines
415.954.4935

Cheryl Loof
Marketing Manager
415.954.4433