Donald Cook Nanney, Environmental Attorney in Santa Monica, California
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatGilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation
Santa Monica, CA
Practicing environmental in Santa Monica since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 7
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Donald Cook Nanney?
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Quick answer
Donald Cook Nanney is a member based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Real Estate. Donald has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Santa Monica, CA
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Real Estate
- Handles Environmental and Real Estate matters from Santa Monica, CA.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Donald Cook Nanney: Donald Cook Nanney is a member based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Real Estate. Donald has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Donald's practice areas in Santa Monica
Donald concentrates on environmental and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases in Santa Monica, California
Donald takes environmental matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Santa Monica, California
Donald takes real estate matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Biography
Donald Cook Nanney, environmental attorney serving Santa Monica
Donald Cook Nanney is a member based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Real Estate. Donald has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Donald works from Santa Monica, California and takes on environmental matters across the region.
Donald Cook Nanney is a lawyer practicing environmental law, real estate law, real property law. Donald received a degree from Army JAG School, University of Virginia in 1975, and has been licensed for 52 years. Donald practices at Gilchrist & Rutter Professional Corporation in Santa Monica, CA.
How Donald handles environmental matters
Donald Cook Nanney is a lawyer practicing environmental law, real estate law, real property law. Donald received a degree from Army JAG School, University of Virginia in 1975, and has been licensed for 52 years. Donald practices at Gilchrist & Rutter Professional Corporation in Santa Monica, CA.
Who Donald represents
Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental and real estate matters in Santa Monica and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Donald studied and practices
University of California, Davis
J.D. · 1974
Army JAG School, University of Virginia
Honor Graduate · 1975
Jurisdictions
Donald's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Milita
1975 · ACTIVE
California
1974 · ACTIVE
Donald studied at J.D. in University of California, Davis and Honor Graduate in Army JAG School, University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Donald completed J.D. in University of California, Davis and Honor Graduate in Army JAG School, University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Donald's legal honors and published work
Donald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Donald's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
Past Vice-Chair, Real Property Law Section) Los Angeles County Bar Association (Chair Emeritus, Real Property Section Past Co-Chair, Land Use Planning and Environmental Law Subsection, Real Property Section Former Member, Executive Committee, Environmenta · membership
Locations
Donald Cook Nanney's office in Santa Monica
Donald's primary office is at 1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 900, Santa Monica, CA, 90401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation
1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 900
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Donald Cook Nanney — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Donald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in Santa Monica.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald Cook Nanney claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Donald Cook Nanney — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Santa Monica, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donald
Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Donald Cook Nanney
How much does it cost to hire Donald for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donald offer a free consultation?
Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Santa Monica?
Donald is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donald accepting new environmental clients right now?
Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Santa Monica, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Donald handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in California
If Donald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Santa Monica handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Michael Brett Abramson
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John David Williams
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Elizabeth Ann Bawden
Los Angeles, California
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Tamara Beth Pow
San Jose, California
5.0· 25