Scott Birkey

Scott Birkey serves as a Lecturer at UC Berkeley School of Law while maintaining his primary role as a Partner at Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP, specializing in land use and natural resources law. His academic affiliation involves teaching at one of the nation's premier law institutions while practicing complex environmental compliance and entitlement matters.

Education:

• J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law, 2000
• M.S., University of Idaho, 1997
• B.A., Texas State University, 1994

Birkey's research focuses on regulatory frameworks governing land development, endangered species protection, wetlands permitting, and environmental compliance. His expertise spans federal and California-specific statutes including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with practical applications in urban development and resource conservation.

His publications primarily analyze recent developments in environmental legislation and land use policy, with recurring themes around CEQA reform, housing legislation, regulatory compliance, and species protection. The writings reflect current legal trends in balancing development needs with environmental conservation.

Awards & Honors:

• Best Lawyers in America - Land Use & Zoning Law (2018-2025)
• Northern California Super Lawyers recognition (2010, 2013-2025)

As a practicing attorney, Birkey leads complex entitlement processes for major development projects and represents clients in environmental litigation, but does not currently supervise academic students. His professional work involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams handling large-scale land development and conservation initiatives.