Pro-Development Law Firms Merge

Santa Barbara-based law firm Hatch & Parent, a veteran of regional water and land-use battles, will merge with Denver-based firm Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck, effective 1/1/08. The merger will give Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck a combined headcount of more than 200 attorneys. Hatch & Parent takes credit for bringing the State Water Project to Santa Barbara County, against stiff opposition from environmental and slow-growth groups.