Thomas B. Ruby joined Morrison & Foerster in 2000 after fourteen years of private and public legal work. He brings his expertise in Silicon Valley and South Bay planning, development and infrastructure issues to the Land Use and Environmental Law Group. Mr. Ruby has specific expertise in infill development, redevelopment projects, the Subdivision Map Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. He frequently provides counsel on the defensibility of EIRs and developing legal and political strategies on highly controversial projects.

After practicing as an associate at the law firm of Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro in San Francisco, he served 10 years as Senior Deputy City Attorney, for the City of San Jose, during a decade of unprecedented growth and development. He provided direct legal counsel to the City Council, Planning Commission, City Manager, Redevelopment Agency, Planning Department and Historic Landmarks Commission. His practice encompassed all aspects of the land development process.

At Morrison & Foerster, Mr. Ruby has worked extensively on issues surrounding the development of Coyote Valley in San Jose and drafted the new zoning code for the City of San Jose.

• Entitlement processing, permitting and CEQA compliance for several large hospital master plans.
• Provided legal support for the complex issues surrounding development of the North San Jose high tech sector and has overseen the permitting and approval process for over eight million square feet of industrial development.
• Worked with city officials on the 1998 San Jose International Airport Master Plan. Assisted with negotiations, including the FAA and citizen groups, in connection with runway construction, terminal development and transportation improvements.
• Negotiation of Disposition and Development Agreements and Owner Participation Agreements with Redevelopment Agencies including the Montgomery Hotel in San Jose.