Overview

William “Bill” Abbott has over 40 years of experience representing private property owners, private developers, and public agencies throughout California with respect to land use, real estate, and development issues. Bill’s areas of practice include land use and planning law, real estate law, local government, and environmental law (CEQA and NEPA).

As special counsel on numerous land use matters, his experience includes lead counsel for major development projects, trial and appellate advocacy, and counseling pertaining to initiatives and referenda involving land use approvals. Locally, Bill has advised developers and property owners on development issues throughout Northern California. He has similar experience in representing public agencies from all over the state, including numerous cities, counties, Local Agency Formation Commissions, and special districts all the way from Siskiyou County to the City of Calexico.

A long-time instructor, lecturer, editor, and author in matters related to land use law, Bill has also served as a mediator, arbitrator, and as an expert witness on California land use proceedings in state and federal court.

Prior to joining White Brenner LLP, Bill served as Of Counsel at Abbott & Kindermann, Inc., a Sacramento-based law firm focusing on land use issues. He also previously served as Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, responsible for the Local Government Unit, before moving to private practice.

Over the course of his career, Bill has been awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, recognized by Best Lawyers in America®, selected for inclusion to the Northern California Super Lawyers list, and named as a top twenty-five attorney in Sacramento.