Overview
Erin is an Associate in the Land Use and Natural Resources Practice Group and the Environmental Practice Group. Erin has experience representing major retailers and developers seeking land use approvals and representing developers and property owners regarding site remediation issues.
Erin’s practice includes advising clients regarding the California Environmental Quality Act, which includes preparation of Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and litigation regarding EIRs; counseling clients regarding land use entitlements and permitting; and performing land use due diligence regarding purchase and sale of individual sites and large portfolios.
Erin's practice also includes performing due diligence regarding the purchase and sale of sites containing hazardous materials; counseling clients on matters before state agencies including the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the State Water Resources Control Board regarding environmental issues; and advising clients regarding redevelopment of sites under the California Land Reuse and Revitalization Act of 2004. In addition, Ms. Phalon counsels clients regarding federal and state environmental regulations and statutes including CERCLA, RCRA, and Proposition 65.
Erin graduated cum laude from Rutgers School of Law--Newark, where she was awarded the Kenneth J. Wolfson Land Use Prize for the student who has demonstrated the greatest interest and scholarship in land use law; the Judge J. Skelly Wright Prize for the student who has done the most for civil rights, civil liberties and human affairs; and a Pro Bono Award. As a law student, Erin completed internships at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Regional Counsel, Region 2, the Sierra Club Environmental Law Program, and in the chambers of Federal Magistrate Judge Joseph Dickson. In addition, she was a Kinoy-Stavis Public Interest Fellow, Eagleton Institute of Politics Fellow, President of the Environmental Law Society, and Vice Chair of the Public Interest Law Foundation.
Prior to attending law school, Erin worked as Communications Director for the New Jersey Department of Transportation from 2005 to 2009. In that capacity, she was responsible for the agency’s media relations, web site and publications and directed legislative and policy campaigns regarding New Jersey’s highway, toll road and rail systems. She served as spokesperson to media and wrote and edited press releases, reports, op-eds and speeches. She also worked as a public information officer at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection from 2004 to 2005.
Insights
Publications
Awards & Affiliations
Honors & Recognitions
Kenneth G. Wolfson Land Use Prize
Judge J. Skelly Wright Prize for Civil Rights, Pro Bono Award
Practice Areas
Bar & Court Admissions
- State Bar of California
- State Bar of New Jersey
Education
J.D., Rutgers University School of Law, 2012, cum laude, (Certificate in Politics and Government, Eagleton Institute of Politics)
M.P.A.P., Rutgers University, 2008
B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 2002