A professional Urban Planner who was admitted to the California State Bar in 2005, Jonathan Riker brings a diverse background of skills and experiences from the public, private and non-profit sectors, including his in-depth knowledge of the Los Angeles City Planning Department, to our legal practice.

Originally from Los Angeles, Jonathan received his B.A. from Columbia University in 1989 and his J.D. from Tulane University in 1998. He received a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans in 2002 and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Jonathan is also the first attorney in Los Angeles to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) status, conferred by the United States Green Building Council.

At Armbruster & Goldsmith, Jonathan focuses in the areas of California Environmental Quality Act compliance, land use and land development regulation, land use due diligence, local permitting, and municipal advocacy. His prior experience includes private-sector environmental consulting for one year before joining the Los Angeles City Planning Department. During his three years with the Planning Department, Jonathan served as the Planning Department’s Environmental Review Coordinator for major projects throughout the City. He was instrumental in developing an automated program to streamline the processing of the City’s environmental review applications.

Prior to his work in Los Angles, Jonathan served as the co-director of a legal non-profit organization in New Orleans Juvenile Court. At that time, Jonathan entered a Master’s Degree Program in Urban and Regional Planning, where he focused on urban redevelopment and environmental law. There, he gained expertise in the application of “smart growth” and sustainable development principles. In addition, Jonathan served on the Board of Directors of a local non-profit organization, focusing on environmental education. During his time in New Orleans, he received a scholastic achievement award and commendation from the Mayor of New Orleans for his dedication to improving the quality of life of the city.

Publications:

Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine, “The Green Zone,” January 2008, Vol. 30, No. 10.