Viviana L. Heger
Special Counsel
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Phone: +1 213 689 7452
- Duane Morris LLP
865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 3100
Los Angeles, CA 90017-5450
USA
Viviana L. Heger is a trusted regulatory attorney with a strong track record in environmental compliance, litigation, and land use matters. She represents clients in high-stakes disputes involving environmental regulations, successfully advocating before administrative agencies and in complex multi-party litigation.
With eight years of in-house legal experience in the oil industry prior to entering private practice in 1999, Vivian brings a deep understanding of environmental regulations affecting industrial and commercial operations. She has successfully challenged regulatory mandates, secured favorable settlements in cost recovery actions, and defended clients in CERCLA and RCRA matters. Her work also includes advising on emissions compliance strategies, securing insurance coverage for environmental remediation, and negotiating permits that reduce compliance burdens.
Vivian has significant experience handling matters before the Los Angeles Regional Water Control Board, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and other environmental agencies. She has helped clients resolve enforcement actions, mitigate liability, and develop compliance strategies that save millions in costs. Additionally, she has advised on land use and real estate matters, including acquisitions, leasing, and development.
Admissions
- California
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Experience
- Duane Morris LLP
- Special Counsel, 2025-present
- Meyers, Nave, Riback, Silver, & Wilson
- Of Counsel, 2017-2025
- Tropio & Morlan
- Of Counsel, 2011-2017
- Alston & Bird, Formerly Weston, Benshoof, Rochefort, Rubalcava & Maccuish
- Senior Associate, 1999-2011
Professional Activities
- Instructor, Paralegal Training Program, UCLA Extension, 2007-present
- Executive Committee of Los Angeles County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
- Member, 2005-present
- Chair, 2018-2019
Education
- Loyola Law School Los Angeles, J.D., 1999
- The Ohio State University, B.A., 1989
Language Skill
- Spanish
Selected Publications
- Quoted, "Trump Invited Polluters to Request Exemptions to Clean Air Act Rules. Is It Legal?" landmark.earth, April 1, 2025
- Author, "Determining the Fate of AB 32,” Law360, February 17, 2011
- Author, "Legislative Reform Alters Policy and Scope of TSCA," Corporate Compliance Insights, October 2010
- Author, "Reporting Releases and Other Incidents,” Law360, April 2010
Selected Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, "Checklist – Meeting Your Spill Reporting Obligations,” Association of Corporate Counsel, November 2018
- Moderator, "Be Prepared for a Rainy Day," Los Angeles County Bar Association, January 17, 2012