Michael Patrick Durkee

At his own law practice, Law Office of Michael Patrick Durkee, in Walnut Creek, California, attorney Michael Patrick Durkee guides clients through the intricate landscape of land use and zoning, as well as appellate and environmental law matters. He is well-versed in navigating the complexities of land use, election processes and local government law within both administrative and judicial settings. He acts as a representative for developers, builders, property owners, municipalities, counties, special districts and various interest groups, covering every facet of California’s local governance, election protocols and land use entitlements, from initial reviews to approvals and litigation.With a deep understanding of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), local governance frameworks and development laws, Mr. Durkee is adept in transactional and litigation contexts. His knowledge spans general and specific plans, zoning and development laws, vested rights, exactions, the Subdivision Map Act, the Williamson Act and local election procedures like initiatives, referendums and recalls. He often provides his insights as a witness in legal proceedings on these subjects.Mr. Durkee has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing strategic entitlements for some of California’s most debated development projects, including the San Jose Giants Ballpark Proposal, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Black Point, Buck Mountain Ranch and the North Livermore Initiative. He is celebrated for his skillful negotiation and conflict-resolution techniques.Known for his innovative approach to land use, Mr. Durkee skillfully coordinates with city and county officials on project planning, negotiates and drafts legal documents for compliance and strategic benefit, and oversees environmental, planning and engineering consultants and their reports, seamlessly transitioning into litigation when required.An academically distinguished individual, Mr. Durkee graduated with the highest distinction from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1984 and has been practicing law in California since 1985. He earned a B.S. in political science, history and English from the University of California, Davis, in 1981.As the president of the Contra Costa County Bar Association's Real Property Law Section, Mr. Durkee actively contributes to land use seminars for builders’ groups, city and county officials, the University of California Extension, The State Bar of California and land use navigators.