Government
Government
Representing general and special purpose public agencies has been a principal strength of our firm for more than 60 years. Our deep understanding of our public agency clients’ business helps us find ways to cost-effectively achieve their objectives on a sound legal basis.
As general counsel and special counsel, we represent transportation districts, cities, water districts, community service districts, fire districts, hospital districts, joint powers authorities, local governmental agency associations, and sanitation districts.
Whether on individual assignments or as ongoing counsel, our experience also includes labor and employment law, municipal finance and rate-setting, including Prop 218, litigation, environmental laws, water supply, including water rights, transfers, recycled water and SGMA, solid waste management, real estate and land use, government reorganization, complex technology procurements, alternative project delivery, public works construction, long term operating and revenue sharing agreements, and contract negotiations.
Experience
- Administrative law
- Appellate advocacy
- Code enforcement
- Conflicts of interest
- Elections
- Eminent domain and inverse condemnation
- Employee benefits
- Environmental law
- Financial and rate setting
- Insurance recovery
- Joint powers agreements
- Labor and employment
- LAFCO issues
- Land use
- Legislation
- Litigation
- Open government laws
- Ordinances and resolutions
- Privacy, data security and information control
- Public private partnerships
- Public procurement
- Public works and infrastructure
- Real property acquisition, management and disposition
- Taxes, assessments and fees
- Technology procurements
Key Contacts
News & Resources
Supreme Court Narrows Clean Water Act Liability for Stormwater Permittees, Others
The Supreme Court has provided a measure of relief to local agencies facing the threat of Clean Water Act enforcement for sources of pollution outside their control.
D.C. Circuit Court Stays PFAS Regulations for Drinking Water and Hazardous Substance Designations
Trucks, Trains, and Automobiles: Untangling the Status of California’s Vehicle Emission Waivers
A summary of recent developments impacting status of California's vehicle emissions regulations and what interested parties can expect going forward.
Federal Government Contracting: What to Expect Under Second Trump Administration
This article predicts ways a second Trump administration may impact construction projects. This article examines the Buy American Act, the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, Tariffs, and P3s.
Governor Newsom Issues Orders to Assist with Rebuilding Efforts in Los Angeles; Los Angeles County Bans the Removal of Fire Debris
Governor Newsom and Los Angeles County have issued orders that affect recovery and rebuilding in the fire disaster areas.
EPA Mandates Replacement of Lead Service Lines
The United States Environmental Protection Agency finalized the final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements promulgated on October 30, 2024, requiring that water systems identify and replace lead service lines within ten years.
Governor Signs Three New Laws Protecting Water Agencies and their Customers From Higher Costs
In the past week, California's Governor signed into law three bills to ensure fair water rates across California. 1) SB 1072 requires that any surplus funds collected from water & wastewater customers be used to reduce future fees. 2) AB 1827 confirms that meter charges and peak usage associated with higher costs of water service are appropriate components of water fees. 3) and, AB 2257 provides a framework for an administrative exhaustion procedure that will create more protections from Prop. 218 lawsuits for water, sewer, and solid waste agencies in the future.
What Recent Supreme Court Rulings Mean for Environmental Laws in California
Recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings will not directly affect facial challenges to void a California regulation, nor will they affect whether and how courts defer to California agencies' interpretations of California statutes.
Supreme Court Blocks Taxpayer Initiative from November Ballot
On June 20, 2024, the California Supreme Court ruled that the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act cannot appear on the general election ballot in November.
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