Thomas Napoli

Thomas Napoli’s practice helps clients address issues involving development, agriculture, and water use in California. He has developed successful permitting and environmental compliance strategies for major capital projects and reviewed such projects for compliance with applicable environmental statutes, regulations, and related legal risks. Mr. Napoli has also helped clients challenge projects that pose significant risks to the environment. In addition, he has crafted successful legal strategies to achieve client objectives.

Mr. Napoli earned his J.D. from Chapman University School of Law, where he focused on environmental, land use, and real estate law. He also completed substantial graduate coursework in chemistry at California State University, Fullerton after receiving dual BS degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. His practice experience spans more than three decades in environmental law, regulatory compliance, and environmental planning, including work in private practice and senior roles with California state agencies and a major public water agency. Mr. Napoli has handled matters involving CEQA, NEPA, hazardous waste and substances, water quality, endangered species, oil spill response, and environmental permitting. He has also litigated and advised on environmental risks affecting major public projects. His background reflects a rare combination of legal, scientific, regulatory, and policy experience in California.

In addition to his legal and scientific practice experience, Mr. Napoli has demonstrated leadership in professional and public-facing roles. He served as President of the California Association of Professional Scientists and held multiple terms as Southern California Director, where he led contract negotiations, legislative efforts, and political advocacy on behalf of represented scientists. His background also includes campaign labor coordination, work with lobbyists and advocacy groups, and a longstanding record of leadership on environmental policy issues. Mr. Napoli is admitted to practice in both California state and federal courts and brings a perspective shaped by both legal training and scientific expertise.