Ha Chung

Ha Chung is an attorney in JMBM’s Government, Land Use, Environment & Energy Group and the Natural Resources and Mining Group. He represents residential and commercial developers, industrial clients, and public agencies in navigating complex land use entitlements, environmental compliance, and regulatory strategy for high-stakes projects across California.

Core Practice Areas

• Natural Resources and Mining Law: Securing land use approvals for aggregate extraction, mineral development, and mining operations, including compliance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and federal statutes such as the Mining Law of 1872. Oil and gas experience, including resolving issues under California Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM) regulations.  Experience with water rights disputes, groundwater sustainability planning, and compliance with California Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations. 
• Commercial & Residential Entitlements: Securing land use approvals, zoning changes, and development permits for mixed-use, residential, and commercial projects, including compliance with zoning, California Coastal Act, Subdivision Map Act, CEQA, local General Plans, and Density Bonus Laws.
• Environmental Permitting and Compliance: Advising on endangered species protections, Habitat Conservation Plans, and Incidental Take Permits under state and federal Endangered Species Acts. Experience in air quality (SCAQMD), noise mitigation, greenhouse gas impact analysis, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act. 

Ha leverages his background as an environmental consultant prior to law school to bridge technical data and legal strategy. As a technical consultant, Ha:

• Compiled CEQA air quality, noise, and greenhouse gas impact studies for mixed-use developments, airport expansions, and remediation projects.
• Conducted compliance analyses under SCAQMD rules and local noise ordinances for high-profile infrastructure projects.