Sigrid R. Waggener

SAN FRANCISCO -A partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP specializing in energy, environmental and real estate law, Sigrid R. Waggener said she avidly follows science and technology trends to stay on top of the evolving industries.

When she's not practicing law, Waggener said she likes to spend her mornings catching up with legal trades and reading science blogs over her chemical engineer husband's shoulder.

"This industry is always evolving, innovating and responding to a constantly shifting regulatory landscape, so it forces you to grow intellectually on a regular basis," she said. "I really enjoy and thrive off that kind of challenge. At heart, I'm a nerd who loves to read and converse about these complex issues."

Waggener has extensive experience as lead defense counsel for clients in writ proceedings alleging violations of the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as providing counsel on habitat conservation plans and natural community conservation plans. She has also represented energy producers, national retailers and developer entities in the land use permitting process.

Waggener said environmental law can be challenging as it is frequently shaped by new scientific discoveries and technological innovations.

"There are new breakthroughs all the time that we need to respond to, all of which have a significant impact on the industry and the laws surrounding it," she said. "While it may take time for regulation and legislation to respond to these changes, clients are always looking for ways to innovate and stay ahead of the curve since issues like global climate change, clean energy development, and materials re-use and recovery don't wait for the times to change with them."

Among her projects, Waggener is currently representing a natural gas and oil exploration company in its permitting and construction of a large-scale carbon capture and storage project. The project, once completed, is designed to sequester several million tons of carbon dioxide annually at a major oil field in California.

"This is a first-of-its-kind effort to address the consequences of climate change and will have important regulatory implications both in California and across the country," she said. "The opportunity to be part of a project like this, with a goal of effectuating positive change, is particularly rewarding."

Waggener is also leading a team advising a major national automotive parts retailer in its entitlement of a 750,000-square-foot logistics and distribution facility in Northern California. The state-of- the-art facility will function as a major supply chain hub for the company on the West Coast.

Waggener said one of the biggest challenges in her job is the fact that industry developments affecting her clients can often outpace regulatory guidance, but overcoming those obstacles is a critical part of her work.

One thing she appreciates most about her work is that she's often part of a team, from the early stages of project development through completion.

"I think of myself as more than a lawyer since I am often helping clients navigate both broader business challenges and helping them capitalize on opportunities," she said. "It's rewarding to know that my clients, who are some of the most incredibly talented and motivated people I know, view me as a valued, integrated part of their teams."