Atty. Amy Steinfeld
Leader in cannabis cultivation projects and co-chair of Cannabis & Industrial Hemp industry group. Works at the intersection of land use and water law.
Water Law Attorney · Serving Santa Barbara, CA
Profile Summary
About Amy Steinfeld at a Glance
Amy Steinfeld is an attorney based in Santa Barbara, California, practicing at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP. Educated at University of Colorado at Boulder (J.D., 2005). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Water Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Cannabis Law (2026). Serves clients in Santa Barbara, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from Amy Steinfeld in Santa Barbara
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About Amy Steinfeld
- Leader in cannabis cultivation projects and co-chair of Cannabis & Industrial Hemp industry group
- Works at the intersection of land use and water law
- Santa Barbara office managing partner
- Amy Steinfeld is a land use and water lawyer with a broad understanding of environmental issues and a passion for the cannabis industry
- Operating in one of the most heavily regulated industries and states, her passion and genuine concern for her clients is critical to her success
- Drawing on a substantial network and ability to work closely with state agencies and local governments to anticipate decision-makers’ viewpoints, she efficiently moves even the most contentious projects forward and reduces permitting delays
- Amy has worked on cannabis-related issues in California since the passage of Proposition 64
- She supports greenhouse and outdoor sun-grown cannabis and hemp cultivators on the Central Coast through the permitting and licensing process to ensure compliance with California’s complex land use, zoning, environmental and water laws
- Her combination of water law and land use experience allows Amy to operate at the apex of the industry
- She advises water districts, cities, agricultural interests and developers in all aspects of water law
- Accomplished in all facets of land development, from site due diligence, to the preparation of environmental documents to the defense and settlement of complicated multi-party CEQA lawsuits, Amy is recognized for her experience in water supply strategy, local policies, and public outreach
- Amy is co-founder and co-chair of the California H2O Women Conference, which provides an opportunity to collaborate, educate and support women leaders in the water industry
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Santa Barbara
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Santa Barbara are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Santa Barbara Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Santa Barbara-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Santa Barbara or all attorneys in California.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Amy Steinfeld
Where is Amy Steinfeld's law office located?
Where did Amy Steinfeld go to law school?
How can I contact Amy Steinfeld for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Amy Steinfeld received?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Santa Barbara Choose Amy Steinfeld
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Amy Steinfeld's practice.
Local Presence in Santa Barbara
A Santa Barbara-based practice means Amy Steinfeld attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Transparent Client Communication
Clients consistently note that understanding what is happening in their case — and why — is as important as the outcome itself. Amy Steinfeld maintains clear, timely communication throughout every matter.
Search Reference
How People Find Amy Steinfeld Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Santa Barbara commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Amy Steinfeld.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Amy Steinfeld directly.
Amy Steinfeld's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Client Reviews & Ratings — Amy Steinfeld
No reviews yet.