Scott C. Cooper

Scott is an associate in the Land Use and Entitlement Law section, focusing his practice on land use and regulatory issues regarding land development, entitlement, and water resources. 

Scott regularly advises residential, commercial, and industrial developers on the California entitlement process and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including obtaining project entitlements and defending those entitlements from subsequent challenges.  Additionally, Scott is an experienced litigator representing clients in CEQA, eminent domain, and inverse condemnation proceedings.   

Scott also advises public water agencies and private water rights holders on water rights and water resource management with a particular expertise in groundwater projects.  

Scott graduated with honors from the University of Nevada Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law.  Prior to joining Rutan, Scott served as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Ronald Israel in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Prior to attending law school, Scott competed as a Division I student athlete in alpine ski racing at Colby-Sawyer College.