About - Murray M. Sinclair and Associates

Experience & Credentials

Murray M. Sinclair

Murray Sinclair has been representing major corporations, “Mom and Pop” businesses and individual clients in litigated matters for the last 35 years. He has lectured on trends in environmental law and insurance coverage before industry groups and the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Sinclair has served as an Attorney Settlement Officer for the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and the Los Angeles Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Voluntary Settlement Conference Program.

Practice Areas

Areas of Expertise

Comprehensive environmental law services with a commitment to mediation and meaningful resolution.

Environmental Litigation

We are experienced in soil and groundwater pollution matters such as:

Superfund Litigation (defending and/or resolving disputes involving potentially responsible parties at major California Superfund sites such as Operating Industries Inc., the San Gabriel Valley Superfund sites, the Glendale Superfund site and BKK Landfill)
Federal court private party cost recovery actions under CERCLA, RCRA, and related statutes
State court actions between property owners/landlords, oil companies, gasoline service station operators
UST Cleanup Fund matters
Inability to pay situations
PCE contamination caused by dry cleaners and negligent property maintenance
Hazardous releases impacting onsite and offsite properties from manufacturing and metal plating operations
Mold toxic tort
Appearing before and/or communicating effectively with oversight regulatory agencies such as the U.S. EPA, the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control
The interrelationship between environmental exposure and insurance coverage

Insurance Coverage

We know the ins and outs of insurance coverage law, claims processes and the numerous nuances concerning the different types of claims and liabilities that can arise where actionable soil and groundwater contamination is either present or threatened. Specifically, we are conversant with:

Environmental Pollution claims under CGL policies concerning historic contamination occurring decades prior to discovery
Duty-to-Defend Liability claims
Assignment issues where coverage has been denied
Errors and Omissions claims against insurance brokers and other professionals (environmental consultants)
Risk management issues necessary for settlement under newer coverages (pollution legal liability; cost cap coverage)

BOOKS

How to Avoid Environmental Litigation

“This concise and thoroughly documented book, based on decades of experience, contains a wealth of valuable information and practical strategies to avoid environmental litigation in an increasingly litigious world. Written with remarkable clarity, numerous illustrative examples, more than a touch of perspective, and even well-aimed humor . . .”

— Dr. Arthur M. Winer, Emeritus Professor, Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA (Review of 1st Edition)

“While the cover looks like a grown-ups’ coloring book, it belies the seriousness of what’s within. The book is geared toward the non-environmental lawyer who needs to catch up on this practice area, as well as commercial property and business owners.”

— The Recorder [California], a legal publication of American Lawyer Media, Inc., October 22, 2004 (Review of 1st Edition)

“This book is a useful resource for the non-lawyer in dealing with potential on-site contamination issues, landfills, or other unknown environmental quagmires. The authors have written an easy to read book that translates basic environmental scientific issues into understandable language and simplifies the complex regulatory landscape. The reader is presented with pragmatic responses that can help them navigate environmental issues and avoid making problems worse . There are charts and questionnaires to help define problems and an extensive index that includes legal references and precedents. While environmental laws can be somewhat arcane even to those experienced in working with them, this book will be helpful to readers whether they are shopping center owners, small businesses, or manufacturers.” [comments on 1st edition]in an increasingly litigious world. Written with remarkable clarity, numerous illustrative examples, more than a touch of perspective, and even well-aimed humor . . .”

— Jody Freeman, currently Archibald Cox Professor of Law and Director of Environmental and Energy Law Program at Harvard Law School, and formerly UCLA Professor of Law.

Articles

“Boots on the Ground: Are environmental investigations privileged?” Los Angeles Daily Journal, 07/13/23

“The Common Fund Theory: Insurer Liability for Compulsory Cross Actions” Los Angeles Daily Journal, September 21, 2011 (co-author Ryan C. McKim)

“Don’t Let the Fast-Track System Derail Your Environmental Litigation” Los Angeles Daily Journal, April 30, 2009

“Insurance Policy May Allow One to Raise the Dead” Los Angeles Daily Journal, March 29, 1999

“Dirty-Duty-Environmental Law: Must an Insurer Defend Administrative Claims as well as Suits?” And what is the Extent of the Sudden and Accidental Pollution Exclusion?” California Law Business, March 9, 1998

“Wasting Away: The Demise of CERCLA Joint and Several Liability” Los Angeles Daily Journal, December 12, 1997

“No Cleanup of Superfund: Reform Measure Improves Law, But Won’t End Costly Litigation” Los Angeles Daily Journal, April 22, 1994

Philosophy

In legal matters one size doesn't fit all

While “cookie-cutter” solutions may sound attractive on some levels (particularly to those in charge of billing hours at big law firms), they have no place in reality. Every case is unique and requires that every solution also be.

Finding answers where others find only questions

That means being creative -thinking and seeing things from a different angle with a fresh perspective-and that as much as anything else is what we are known for. For more than 30 years, Murray M. Sinclair & Associates has helped clients needing inventive solutions. And we’ve provided them.

We despise compromise until it serves your best interests; at that point we embrace it.

Ready to Find a Resolution?

Whether you’re facing environmental litigation or seeking mediation services, we’re here to help guide you toward a peaceful and sustainable solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your environmental law needs.

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