In September 2025, the City of SeaTac, Washington engaged the law firm Leech Tishman Nelson Hardiman to provide legal counsel regarding the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), specifically in response to an anticipated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD). The firm's work includes preparing legal analysis, submitting comments, and filing a Petition for Review in either the Ninth Circuit or D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the FAA's environmental findings once published in late 2025. The engagement is capped at $300,000 with an initial $10,000 retainer, and billing rates range from $300–$400 per hour for associates to $540 per hour for lead attorney Steven M. Taber.Open full document
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Legal engagement letter from Leech Tishman Nelson Hardiman to the City of SeaTac for representation regarding the Port of Seattle’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan FONSI/ROD review and potential petition for review. The agreement outlines a $300,000 budget with $10,000 initial retainer and hourly billing rates.