Christopher J. "Chris" Carr, Environmental Attorney in San Francisco, California
focused on Environmental, Litigation, and Zoning
San Francisco, CA
Trusted environmental attorney serving San Francisco.
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Quick answer
Christopher J. "Chris" Carr is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Zoning.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Environmental · Litigation · Zoning
- Handles Environmental, Litigation, and Zoning matters from San Francisco, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Natural Resources Law (San Francisco) (2016).
About Christopher J. "Chris" Carr: Christopher J. "Chris" Carr is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Zoning.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Christopher takes on
Christopher concentrates on environmental, litigation, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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Litigation
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Zoning
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Environmental cases in San Francisco, California
Christopher takes environmental matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
Christopher takes litigation matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in San Francisco, California
Christopher takes zoning matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Christopher J. "Chris" Carr — environmental lawyer in San Francisco
Christopher J. "Chris" Carr is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Zoning.
Chris Carr is widely regarded as one of the leading project development, environmental, and energy lawyers in the United States. Drawing on his experience with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Carr represents businesses, land developers, public agencies, and nonprofits in all areas of environmental and natural resource law, including energy, transportation, water, forestry, mining, coastal and marine resources, and agriculture.
In particular, his practice focuses on permitting and litigation under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as their California counterparts: the California ESA, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
He is experienced in local, state, federal, and international laws, regulations, initiatives, and programs promoting the development of renewable energy and infrastructure.
Mr. Carr frequently defends permits, approvals, and environmental review documents for utility-scale renewable energy and other infrastructure projects in federal and state courts, and defends against “citizen suits” brought under federal environmental statutes.
Mr. Carr is Chair of the Paul Hastings Environment and Energy Practice. He was head of Morrison and Foerster’s Global Energy & Environment Practice and co-chair of its Cleantech Practice Group from 2010 – 2017. He also co-chaired its Autonomous Vehicle and Drone Practice group from 2015 – 2017. He is a regular speaker at Berkeley Law and Stanford Law School.
Among his representative clients, he counts: Vistra Corp., Terra-Gen Power, 8minute Solar Energy, Brookfield Power, EDF Renewables, Genentech, West Basin Municipal Water District, Green Diamond Resource Company, The Wine Group, Jackson Family Wines, and Structurlam Mass Timber Corp.
Working with Christopher on a environmental matter
Chris Carr is widely regarded as one of the leading project development, environmental, and energy lawyers in the United States. Drawing on his experience with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Carr represents businesses, land developers, public agencies, and nonprofits in all areas of environmental and natural resource law, including energy,…
Who Christopher represents
Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, litigation, and zoning matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California Berkeley
J.D. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Christopher's state bar admissions
California, The Stat
ACTIVE
Christopher studied at J.D. in University of California Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Christopher completed J.D. in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Christopher has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Natural Resources Law (San Francisco)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Natural Resources Law (San Francisco)
2013
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Natural Resources Law (San Francisco) (2016). Lawyer of the Year — Natural Resources Law (San Francisco) (2013). Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law (2026).
Locations
Christopher J. "Chris" Carr's office in San Francisco
Christopher's primary office is at 101 California Street, Forty-Eighth Floor, San Francisco, California, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
101 California Street, Forty-Eighth Floor
San Francisco, California 94111
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Christopher J. "Chris" Carr — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christopher
Christopher discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christopher's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Christopher J. "Chris" Carr
How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Christopher is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new environmental clients right now?
Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Christopher handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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