Partners
Nick S. Avdis, Partner
Education
J.D., University of California, Davis, 2003
B.A., History, University of California, Davis, 2000
Admissions to Courts
California State Courts
District of Columbia
Public Service
Member, Board of Directors, Central Valley Water Resources Control Board
Member, Board of Directors, Capitol Area Development Authority
Member, Board of Directors, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency
Member, Board of Trustees, Reclamation District 1000
Alternate Member, Board of Directors, Sacramento Transportation Authority
Honors & Awards
California Lawyer Magazine “Rising Star” – 2009-2015
California Lawyer Magazine “Super Lawyer” 2019-2022
For the past two decades, Nick has specialized in land use and general real estate law, as well as governmental advocacy. He has extensive knowledge of the impact of local and state proposed and existing laws on land development along with a proven ability to facilitate effective land use resolution, from initial land acquisition and local land development permit process through to project construction. Nick has led multi-disciplinary project teams of consultants, agency representatives, landowners, architects and engineers in overcoming legal and procedural challenges from project conception to completion. He has successfully advocated for projects and legislative initiatives before multiple public boards and commissions throughout the Sacramento region, and has built solid relationships with local agency representatives, at both the staff and elected levels. His expansive knowledge of administrative procedures results in the timely and accurate processing of land use entitlements. By working collaboratively, developing and implementing creative, sound legal strategies, making recommendations and implementing plans that meet or exceed project goals, Nick is able to reduce expenses in both time and dollars.
Growing up on a ranch that his family has owned for over 80 years shaped Nick’s career and his understanding of the issues and challenges faced by farmers and ranchers. His connection runs deep and is further enhanced by the fact that he owns a small scale, grass fed beef ranch. Nick’s interest in land use law also dates back to his youth when he observed immigrant relatives struggling with legal issues related to property ownership. It was that scenario that motivated him to pursue a law career.
His community work is also reflective of his dedication to land use issues. He serves on the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, which deals with water quality issues in Region 5 in the state, which is the largest and most diverse region in California, stretching from the Oregon border to the northern tip of Los Angeles County – about 60,000 square miles or nearly 40 percent of the state. Also, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Capitol Area Development Authority which focuses on creating new infill housing opportunities and manages residential and commercial properties owned by the state in the Capitol Area in Sacramento. Nick also serves on the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 1000, which provides flood protection and public safety to Natomas area residents, businesses, schools and agriculture and is a member of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency and an alternate member of the Sacramento Transportation Authority. He is also the President of the Valley View Acres Community Association and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Sacramento.
Prior to partnering with Daniel Cucchi in forming Avdis & Cucchi, LLP, Nick was a corporate counsel for KT Development Corporation (2003-2004), then served as an associate (2004-2007) and then Senior Associate (2007-2008) for Sandberg, Lo Duca & Aland, LLP and partner (2008-2013) with Lo Duca & Avdis, LLP and then followed by being named Of Counsel at the Thomas Law Group (2013-2022).
Daniel S. Cucchi, Partner
Education
J.D., University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law, 2012
Masters in Urban and Regional Planning, San Jose State University, 2010
B.A., English, University and California State University, Chico, 2003
Admissions to Courts
California State Courts
Public Service
Assistant City Attorney for the City of Rocklin
Legislative Director for the California State Senate Majority Leader
Honors & Awards
Traynor’s Honor Society Member
McGeorge Law Review
Publications
Comment, Quantifying an Uncertain Future: The Demands of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Challenge of Climate Change Analysis, 43 MCGEORGE L. REV. 1065 (2012)
Legislative Analysis, California’s Expansion of the Homebuyers’ Tax Credit Program: Economic Stimulus or $200 Million Giveaway?, 42 MCGEORGE L. REV. 701 (2011)
Daniel S. Cucchi is a partner at Avdis & Cucchi, LLP, providing legal services for land development, public agency and industry practice groups. His practice areas include land use, CEQA, municipal law, real estate, natural resources, administrative and business law.
Mr. Cucchi represents public agency and private clients, including cities and counties, air districts, developers, and industrial and agricultural landowners in matters relating to land use entitlements, planning and zoning laws, CEQA, conservation grants and easements, and litigation. He has also been a speaker at both national and state conferences for the American Planning Association speaking on climate change and improving the agency/public communication process.
Dan graduated from McGeorge School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor, with distinction, a certificate in Public Law & Policy and was a Traynor’s Honor Society member. He was also a member of the McGeorge Law Review where he authored “Quantifying an Uncertain Future: The Demands of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Challenge of Climate Change Analysis” in 2012.
During his law school years, Mr. Cucchi had the privilege of working as a judicial extern for the Honorable Kimberly J. Mueller, U.S. District Judge of the Eastern District of California and as a law clerk for the San Francisco City Attorney’s Land Use Division.
Mr. Cucchi lives in Yuba City with his wife and daughter.
Prior to partnering with Nick S. Avdis in forming Avdis & Cucchi, LLP, Mr. Cucchi served as senior associate at Abbott & Kindermann, Inc. He also served as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Rocklin. Dan also served as the Legislative Director for the California State Senate Majority Leader where he specialized in environmental, energy, natural resources, and local government policy development. Prior to that, he was the Project Planner for the County of Yuba with extensive experience as project manager for the Yuba County 2030 General Plan, as well as specific plans, subdivision maps, and conditional use permits. He has both prepared and reviewed all types of planning, zoning and CEQA documents.