Michael Patrick Durkee - a Walnut Creek, California (CA) Land Use and Zoning Lawyer

Walnut Creek Land Use and Zoning Lawyer

Updated: 03/02/2026

Areas of Practice

Land Use and Zoning
Appellate
Environmental

Attorney Information

Overview

Mike Durkee practices land use, elections, and local government law in both administrative and judicial proceedings. He represents developers, builders, property owners, cities, counties, special districts, and interest groups in all aspects of California local government, elections, and land use entitlement, review, approval processes and litigation. Mr. Durkee has transactional and litigation expertise in the laws and processes regarding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), local governance, general plans, specific plans, planning, zoning and development, vested rights (common law, development agreements, vesting maps), exactions (fees/dedications), the Subdivision Map Act, Williamson Act, and local elections (initiative, referendum, recall). He also serves as an expert witness on these topics in litigation.

Mr. Durkee has been instrumental in the creation, coordination, and implementation of overall entitlement strategy (including defense tactics) for some of California’s most controversial development projects, including the San Jose Giants Ballpark Proposal, the Buck Center for Aging and Research, Black Point, Buck Mountain Ranch, and the North Livermore Initiative. He is widely recognized for his expertise in effective negotiation and resolution. He has extensive expertise regarding “value-enhancing” entitlements and is considered one of the state’s top creative land-use minds. Mr. Durkee regularly handles the coordination with city/county staff regarding the planning of the project, the negotiation and drafting of all agency documents for legal compliance and tactical advantage, the coordination of all environmental, planning, and engineering consultants and their reports, and the transition into litigation when necessary.

Mike's Land Use litigation practice includes representing landowners, developers, builders, businesses and governmental agencies in state and federal courts.

Mike is a frequent participant in land use seminars conducted for builders’ groups, cities and counties, the University of California Extension, the State Bar of California and Land Use Navigators.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

Michael Patrick Durkee included in a Super Lawyers® list

Honors

1992 "Outstanding Instructor" award from the U.C. Davis Extension Land Use Program
The Best Lawyers in America - 2013 and 2014 (Land Use and Zoning Law)

Other Sources of Feedback About Michael Patrick Durkee

Included on the 2026 Northern California Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2025 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2024 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2023 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2022 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2021 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2020 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2019 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2018 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2017 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2016 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2015 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2014 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2013 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2012 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2011 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2010 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2009 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2006 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2005 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2004 Northern California Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California, 1984
  J.D.
  Honors: With Highest Distinction
Non Legal Education
- University of California, Davis, 1981
  B.S.
  Major: Political Science
  Major: History
  Major: English

Current Employment Position(s)

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Attorney
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Past Positions

Best & Krieger LLP, Associate, 1984 - 1986
McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen, Partner, 1986 - 1997
Allen Matkins Law Firm, Partner, 1997 - 2012
Wactor & Wick LLP, Associate, 2012 - 2013

Published Works

Articles

Ballot Box Navigator, Solano Press, 2003
Land-Use Initiatives and Referenda in California, Solano Press
Map Act Navigator

Bar Admissions

California, 1985

Other Affiliations

Contra Costa County Bar Association, Real Property Law Section (President)

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Contact

Walnut Creek, CA

1250I Newell Ave
# 156
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 - 5305

Directions

Phone: 510-906-4990

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.michaelpatrickdurkee.com

Free Consultations

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Michael Patrick Durkee - Walnut Creek, CA