Orange County Benefits from Top Notch Attorney Resident, Rob Thornton

ORANGE COUNTY (August 30, 2006) – Law firm, Nossaman Guthner Knox & Elliott, LLP, congratulates Irvine Partner Robert D. Thornton on being recognized by "Best Lawyers in America," in their 2007 guide. Research firm Woodward/White Inc. creates the guide annually based on evaluations from two million people within the legal community. Mr. Thornton is a nationally recognized expert on endangered species and natural resource issues and leads Nossaman's Environmental Practice Group.

The impact of Mr. Thornton's work is visible across Orange County, from the 50 miles of toll roads in the County constructed in the last decade to the Orange County Great Park which is currently in the planning and design stage. Mr. Thornton successfully defended Orange County's toll road system, consisting of the San Joaquin Hills, Eastern and Foothill Corridors in over a dozen law suits. He is currently defending Foothill-South, the last segment of the 67 mile toll road system. He drafted and defended the initiative measure approved by the voters to establish a great metropolitan park at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

Mr. Thornton is ranked as one the nation's top four environmental lawyers by United States Lawyer Rankings, was named one of "The Best Lawyers in America: Environmental Law" in September 2004 by Corporate Counsel magazine and was recognized by Los Angeles magazine in 2005 and 2006 as one of Southern California's "Super Lawyers." He resides in the community of Irvine with his wife and two sons.