Emily L. Brough

Emily L. Brough is a California real estate lawyer and a shareholder at Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC, who represents clients in complex land use and property matters. She handles land use litigation, administrative disputes, writ proceedings, appeals, environmental claims, and challenges to local ordinances or agency decisions. Her practice emphasizes strategic analysis of housing regulations, development approvals, property rights, and government action. She helps owners, developers, and other clients pursue practical solutions through negotiation, litigation, and appellate advocacy.

Emily earned her J.D. cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2012. She received CALI Awards in Community Property, Evidence, and eDiscovery. She also earned recognition for appellate advocacy, including Best Opposition Brief in moot court and the second-best brief at a national competition. Her academic achievements strengthened the research, writing, and persuasive skills she uses in complex California real estate and public law matters.

Emily advises clients on California Environmental Quality Act issues and evolving housing laws affecting development projects. She uses the Housing Accountability Act, Housing Crisis Act, Density Bonus Law, and accessory dwelling unit statutes to support approvals and improve project outcomes. Her litigation experience includes disputes involving rent regulation, administrative decisions, environmental review, and local government restrictions. She develops strategies that address regulatory obstacles while protecting clients’ property and development interests.

Emily L. Brough is admitted in California, the US District Court for the Northern District of California, and the US Supreme Court. She has contributed to significant appellate matters involving housing policy, rent regulation, land use, and property rights. Her work reflects careful preparation, persuasive briefing, and close attention to statutory developments. She provides informed counsel to clients navigating complicated approval processes, administrative challenges, litigation risks, and appeals across California.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of San Francisco School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges