Attorney Profile

Fred Gaines is a Partner at Rand Paster & Nelson LLP and the former Founding and Managing Partner of Gaines & Stacey LLP. He is widely recognized for his work in land use, environmental law, and complex development matters throughout California.

Fred concentrates his practice on land use entitlements, administrative approvals, and environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as litigation involving development projects, property transactions, boundary disputes, and other real estate-related matters. He has extensive experience appearing before the California Coastal Commission and has served as lead counsel in landmark cases, including Landgate v. California Coastal Commission and Lechuza Villas West v. State of California.

In addition to his legal practice, Fred brings significant public sector experience. He served on the Calabasas City Council from 2011 to 2020, including two terms as Mayor. He has also held leadership roles in numerous legal and civic organizations, including serving as President of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, Trustee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Chair of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA), and Chair of the Valley Economic Alliance.

Fred has been widely recognized for his professional and community contributions, including being named one of the “Top 25 Lawyers of the San Fernando Valley,” “Valley’s Most Trusted Advisors,” and to “The 200” by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, among other honors.