Michael Patrick Durkee

Practice Areas: Land Use & Zoning, Appellate, Environmental

Michael Patrick Durkee specializes primarily in the legal areas of land use, elections, and local government, both in administrative and judicial contexts. His client base encompasses developers, builders, property owners, municipalities, counties, special districts, and advocacy groups. He provides comprehensive assistance in navigating the complexities of California’s local government procedures, election processes, and land use protocols. Notably, Mr. Durkee has gained expertise and hands-on involvement in several of California’s most contentious projects related to land use entitlements and legal disputes.

His proficiency covers three main domains:

1. Devising strategic approaches for land use entitlements to optimize project approvals and mitigate the risk of litigation and ballot challenges.
2. Deep knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Planning & Zoning Law (inclusive of general and specific plans, zoning regulations, Subdivision Map Act, initiatives, referendums, recalls, the Williamson Act, vested rights, and development agreements).
3. Engaging in litigation concerning the aforementioned matters.

Renowned within his clientele and among his peers, Mr. Durkee has earned multiple accolades, including the AV Preeminent* peer review rating granted by Martindale-Hubbell and a “Superb” peer review rating from Avvo. He was honored with the 1992 “Outstanding Instructor Award” from U.C. Davis Extension and has been featured in the Northern California Super Lawyers list and the Best Lawyers in America list. His professional affiliations encompass leadership roles in the Real Estate Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association and membership in the California Association of Environmental Professionals.

Mr. Durkee is an active contributor to the field, frequently engaging in writing and seminars on land use topics for various audiences, including builders, local governments, academic institutions, and legal professionals. He co-authored notable publications such as “Ballot Box Navigator” (2003), “Land-Use Initiatives/Referenda” (1991), and “Map Act Navigator” (1999-2020). He also conducts comprehensive training sessions on the “Map Act Navigator” across California.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished, and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks utilized under license, adhering to Martindale-Hubbell’s certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® manages a peer review rating system that reflects the confidential opinions of legal professionals and judges. Ratings are classified into two categories: legal capability and overall ethical standards.