Our clients purchased commercial property as a retirement investment before deciding to sell it a few years later. They owned and leased out the property without incident or indication of an on-site problem. Yet, thirty years later, they were listed as potentially responsible parties on a draft Cleanup and Abatement Order arising from contamination that pre-dated their purchase – they’d had no idea it was there.Read what happened next!
Our clients purchased commercial property as a retirement investment before deciding to sell it a few years later. They owned and leased out the property without incident or indication of an on-site problem. Yet, thirty years later, they were listed as potentially responsible parties on a draft Cleanup and Abatement Order arising from contamination that pre-dated their purchase – they’d had no idea it was there.
Read what happened next!
SUNLAND, CA – Our client was a steel fabrication facility serving the aerospace, commercial, and industrial sectors. It received a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue letter for an alleged failure to comply with new sampling requirements under its IGP. We brought in a consultant, worked with the company to update their storm water compliance and negotiated a settlement to avoid a lawsuit.Our client described us as a good fit for their company. He expressed appreciation not only for the "painless" experience but the "to the point" approach and education we provided.
SUNLAND, CA – Our client was a steel fabrication facility serving the aerospace, commercial, and industrial sectors. It received a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue letter for an alleged failure to comply with new sampling requirements under its IGP. We brought in a consultant, worked with the company to update their storm water compliance and negotiated a settlement to avoid a lawsuit.
Our client described us as a good fit for their company. He expressed appreciation not only for the "painless" experience but the "to the point" approach and education we provided.
POMONA, CA – A retired couple received an unpleasant surprise when their former transmission repair business was sued for the alleged contamination found at an oil processing site. Our clients owned a true father-son shop that sent waste oil to the facility. They had no idea they could be liable for its investigation and clean-up.They wanted a lawyer to understand the disruptive impact a lawsuit would have on their lives even though they were just a small party in a massive, multi-party litigation. To them, personal attention and personality were important.
POMONA, CA – A retired couple received an unpleasant surprise when their former transmission repair business was sued for the alleged contamination found at an oil processing site. Our clients owned a true father-son shop that sent waste oil to the facility. They had no idea they could be liable for its investigation and clean-up.
They wanted a lawyer to understand the disruptive impact a lawsuit would have on their lives even though they were just a small party in a massive, multi-party litigation. To them, personal attention and personality were important.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – Our client was a non-profit organization negotiating a complex property transaction. Because the land was converting from oil production to habitat restoration, they wanted "some level of comfort and confidence that [it] wouldn't put the organization in jeopardy," and to minimize the potential for being sued in the future. They wanted a second opinion before advising the board of directors, so they turned to us.
POMONA, CA – DTSC filed a lawsuit against our clients and others arising from their former metal plating company, seeking reimbursement for investigation, oversight, and cleanup costs. Our clients were living off of retirement savings, so money was a concern. They were also frightened that stress would adversely affect their health; they wanted as fast a resolution as possible. We were able to settle the matter by working with a co-defendant to satisfy DTSC. Our clients were thankful to bring an end to that time of their lives and “move on” so they could soon visit their first great-grandchild without worry.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Every story has a beginning; this one is ours. Our first client needed litigation, not environmental, help. She'd obtained a favorable judgment in trial court to enforce a settlement agreement and needed someone to defend her rights on appeal. A reversal "would have been a disaster! I would have went through hell." We were happy to obtain the result she sought and when we asked for feedback, our client said:"It was the most positive experience for an attorney. I can't say enough good things. Her approach is first class, she is genuine, gets informed, she's robust, amazing."
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Every story has a beginning; this one is ours. Our first client needed litigation, not environmental, help. She'd obtained a favorable judgment in trial court to enforce a settlement agreement and needed someone to defend her rights on appeal. A reversal "would have been a disaster! I would have went through hell." We were happy to obtain the result she sought and when we asked for feedback, our client said:
"It was the most positive experience for an attorney. I can't say enough good things. Her approach is first class, she is genuine, gets informed, she's robust, amazing."
In other experiences working with law firms, I have received what seemed to be “cookie cutter advice” which made me feel they were not invested in helping my company. However, Jennifer and her firm were extremely thorough in their research and did a great job presenting us with the core issues to look out for as well as the next steps to pursue to make sure our interests were taken seriously. Even after her work was complete, Jennifer reached out months later to provide additional information that could be beneficial for us down the road. To me, it showed she was thinking of our company even when we weren't actively working with her.
Our client worked for a chrome plater and knew that someday he might need a lawyer. He told us he kept our number for eight years, just in case!When he had the opportunity to buy a plating facility, he came to us to help evaluate the legal and financial risks. Although he ultimately opted to pass on the deal, he expressed gratitude for the process. “Jennifer and her team provided advice far beyond the issue they were working with me to help resolve. On a scale (1-10), they were beyond a 10.”
Our client worked for a chrome plater and knew that someday he might need a lawyer. He told us he kept our number for eight years, just in case!
When he had the opportunity to buy a plating facility, he came to us to help evaluate the legal and financial risks. Although he ultimately opted to pass on the deal, he expressed gratitude for the process. “Jennifer and her team provided advice far beyond the issue they were working with me to help resolve. On a scale (1-10), they were beyond a 10.”
Jennifer had the experience and knowledge I needed. I have worked with large and small firms in the past and knowing that this case would take some time, it was about 'right communication'. Jennifer knew how to communicate with me effectively, making the process much easier. I would both recommend Jennifer and work with her firm in the future.
Jennifer had a wealth of knowledge to assist me in dealing with a toxic chemical issue on my commercial building. She spoke to me in terms I could understand and helped me grasp what I am facing and my options dealing with it. Down to earth and straight forward.
Jennifer and her firm took care of us.
Jennifer and her team could not be more professional or helpful. Jennifer is not only a wealth of knowledge, but she is incredibly thorough, experienced, calming, and when working with her you know you are in the right hands.
Jennifer is one of the most knowledgeable California environmental attorneys I know. Her guidance and depth of knowledge were critical on our most recent Clean Water Act case, and I would highly recommend her!
All of my issues were addressed, and the end result was within my expectations. We were Afterall, dealing with a Government entity that is not user friendly and not looking out for the small business owners. Every business needs someone to represent and should never think they can do it themselves - get an expert. I recommend the Law Office of Jennifer F. Novak
Jennifer and Megan are the best. I trust her and have been treated like family. She will fight for you as if you were!
I truly appreciate all of Ms. Novak's knowledge and professionalism - always so welcoming and helpful no matter what the situation. What a great asset she is to our community!
Basically, if anyone was wondering whether Jennifer knows what she is doing, how easy/nice it is to work with her, whether people feel better after working with her, she is an Awesome person and very professional. She goes out of her way to help to explain why they should trust her and work with her, as opposed to going to some of the other folks out there. I have worked together with her for several years, figuring out strategies, trying to hold people accountable, working in an environment where everyone had a back-room agenda, and all trying to figure out really complicated water rights stuff! Jennifer has the right stuff to resolve any and all issues big or small. Great Attorney and can be trusted with any matter.
Jennifer helped my nonprofit organization oppose a new a new, large homeless shelter, which was by any estimation proposed too close to residences. Specifically, she documented the historic contamination on the site from its century's use as a train and then bus depot and identified the legal issues and health concerns with its repositioning for human occupation without the adequate soils remediation. Jennifer was available to help educate our members about the legal and technical issues involved in our CEQA case. When we needed help finding new CEQA counsel, Jennifer helped us find competent counsel and then stepped in to assist with the matter as well. Jennifer was receptive to our ideas and willing to guide us towards different solutions where needed. She was professional and easy to work with and I would recommend her highly.
I hired Jennifer to help us with a complicated hazardous waste generator tax assessment. The tax was levied on us for some property we purchased for new construction. During the grading phase, hazardous waste was discovered and properly disposed of. Subsequently (much later), we were assessed by the State with taxes and penalties for being a "Hazardous Waste Generator". Although we were unable to have the taxes waived, Jennifer relentlessly navigated a settlement that allowed us to avoid the penalties and interest. She worked diligently to mitigate the fees and continuously kept us informed throughout the process. She made herself available to us at all time and was a pleasure to work with. She's an advocate you want on your! side.
I have known Jennifer for many years and have worked with her in various capacities, including when she represented my agency in a particularly complex and challenging matter. She is an extremely knowledgeable and highly skilled attorney and is always a pleasure to work with. She is also a wonderful person. I give her my highest possible recommendation.
Ms. Novak is an exceptional attorney. She was very responsive to our questions, very thorough, and alleviated our concerns. Our very confusing and disconcerting case was settled after her very hard work on our behalf. I would highly recommend Attorney Novak.
Jennifer Novak and her team are absolute professionals. Jennifer's caliber of work is second to none. Jennifer and her team's knowledge of the law and her no-nonsense legal advise always gives me the confidence to make smart decisions for my organization.
As in-house counsel for a small business, hiring Jen Novak and her team has been one of the best recommendations that I've made. She's a consummate professional who provides actionable advice which yields positive results. Understanding the needs and limitations of small businesses in litigation is critically important and Jen's willingness to accommodate builds trust and strengthens the attorney-client relationship. Her environmental credentials are without question and known within the community. Her experience provides her client's with credibility when negotiating or interacting with opposing counsel. I've recommended her to others looking for representation and will continue to do so.