C.J. Laffer is a partner in Manatt’s Energy, Environment and Real Estate group focusing on land use and real estate development matters, assisting commercial and multifamily property owners and developers, investors and institutions in navigating complex regulations and obtaining approvals for development projects, expansions of operations and changes in use, and advising clients on real property transactions.

C.J. brings a notable background advising clients on land use, entitlement and environmental compliance matters across Southern California. He counsels clients on a broad range of issues, including zoning and planning, subdivisions, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and coastal development. He also advocates for clients before city councils, planning commissions and other administrative agencies. His land use work also includes CEQA and land use litigation.

Previously, C.J. was an associate in Manatt’s Los Angeles office, before leaving to become a partner at a boutique law firm focusing on land use entitlements and permitting in Southern California. Prior to beginning his legal career, he worked on land use, municipal finance and development projects for an economic consulting firm, and on transportation policy in the U.S. House of Representatives as an American Planning Association Congressional Fellow.