Training Feb 23, 2023
The Brown Act: The People’s Business and the Right to Access
BB&K Training via Webinar
General & Special Counsel
Special districts are facing greater regulation and enforcement, making it more important than ever to understand the rules and assure strict compliance. Best Best & Krieger LLP attorneys have extensive experience advising boards of directors as they navigate through high-profile, complex decisions — and the contentious public meetings and hearings that can be a part of that process.
Regarded as a leading law firm in advising special districts, BB&K regularly serves as general and special counsel to public entities throughout California. We apply deep regulatory knowledge and legal acumen to help clients optimize opportunities, overcome challenges and reduce their legal exposure.
Serving as general and special counsel to all levels of public entities, we advise municipalities, utilities, planning commissions, local agency formation commissions, transportation commissions, water agencies and a wide variety of other public entities. We offer comprehensive guidance on all matters involving special district services, day-to-day operations, governance and regulation. These include interpretation and application of the Ralph M. Brown Act (open meeting law), Public Records Act requirements, notices, agendas, rules regarding conducting meetings and other governance and procedural matters. We advise on everything from the introduction and adoption of minute orders, resolutions and ordinances through the timing and structure of public hearings and presentations to the public and election laws.
Our lawyers work with clients to assure their compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations. We advise on district formation, prepare and review documentation, negotiate transactions, secure necessary regulatory approvals and permits and advocate for clients before regulatory agencies, administrative authorities and courts, resolving disputes and defending our client’s interests.
Our role as general counsel includes providing advice on the following matters:
- Political Reform Act (Government Code § 81000 et seq.)
- Contractual conflicts of interest (Government Code § 1090)
- Incompatibility of public offices
We are also often retained by special districts to handle individual matters that require an in-depth knowledge of legal and regulatory issues, such as employment and labor issues, environmental regulatory compliance, state and local regulations and litigation.
BB&K lawyers closely monitor statutory and common law changes, stay current regarding Fair Political Practices Commission decisions and keep our clients informed of changes.
BB&K is helping public agencies navigate Public Records Act compliance with our new Advanced Records Center. Combining legal know-how with cutting-edge technology, ARC provides comprehensive and cost-effective support for all records-related matters, including PRA requests. To learn more, visit the ARC page or email ARC@bbklaw.com
Press Releases Jan 17, 2023
Albert Maldonado named to the Lawyers of Color Hot List
Lawyers of Color Organization Dedicated to Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession Identifies 2022 Hot List
Press Releases Jan 12, 2023
BB&K Partners Selected to 2023 Southern California Super Lawyers List
Press Releases Jan 03, 2023
Best Best & Krieger Promotes Five Attorneys to Partner
2023 Promotions and Re-elections to the Executive Committee
Press Releases Nov 04, 2022
BB&K Partner Ruben Duran Awarded IMLA’s “Brown, Mulligan, Rocha Distinguished Public Service Award”
Award Honors Local Government Attorneys for Significant Achievements
Legal Alerts Oct 03, 2022
Brown Act Updates: Continued Remote Meetings & Removal of Disruptive Attendees
Takeaways From New Laws AB 2449 and SB 1100
Event Jun 15, 2022
2022 TCAA Summer Conference
BB&K Attorneys to Discuss Navigating Federally Funded Projects and Ethics Rules
BB&K Event May 13, 2022
2022 Claremont Colleges Latinx Graduation
BB&K’s Albert Maldonado Alumni Keynote Speaker
Legal Alerts Apr 26, 2022
Will Virtual Public Meetings Continue Even After the Pandemic?
Two New Bills Could Ease California’s Teleconferencing Restrictions for the Long-Term
Client Successes Mar 24, 2022
San Juan Capistrano Supportive Housing and City Hall Project Earns Unanimous Approval
BB&K Served Key Role in Guiding City Through Nearly Two Years of Research and Planning
Press Releases Mar 03, 2022
BB&K’s Ruben Duran Appointed to Institute for Local Government Board
ILG Board Provides Critical Guidance About Organizational Policy, Strategy and Goals
Press Releases Mar 01, 2022
BB&K Attorneys Elected to Lead Inland Empire Hispanic Bar Association Board
Albert Maldonado Named President, Daniella Hernandez Named President-Elect for 2022
Legal Alerts Jan 19, 2022
In With the New – Part One
BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year
Press Releases Jan 06, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Promotes Six Attorneys to Partner
Additional 2022 Leadership Updates Involving Managing Partner and Executive Committee
Press Releases Nov 24, 2021
Partner Paula de Sousa a San Diego Leaders in Law Finalist
San Diego Business Journal Recognizes Leading Special Districts Attorney
BB&K In the News Nov 15, 2021
BB&K Partner Ryan Baron Profiled by Law360
Q&A Discusses Goals as California Lawyers Association Chair, Inclusion, Mental Wellness and Growth
BB&K In the News Oct 28, 2021
BB&K Partner Ruben Duran Profiled by Law360
Duran Discusses Goals as California State Bar Board of Trustees Chair, Latino Heritage, Access to Justice and More
Press Releases Oct 14, 2021
BB&K’s Ryan Baron Elected Chair of California Lawyers Association
CLA is the Nation’s Second Largest Voluntary Bar Organization
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 11, 2021
City Clerk and Board Secretary Roadmap
PublicCEO Article on Navigating Developing Challenges Involving Public Records, Social Media and More
Press Releases Sep 27, 2021
BB&K Partner Ruben Duran Appointed Chair of the California Bar Board of Trustees
Duran to Lead Trustees for One-Year Term
Legal Alerts Sep 14, 2021
Update: Gov. Newsom Signs AB 361 Amending the Brown Act
Urgency Bill Takes Immediate Effect to Allow Virtual Meetings Under Certain Circumstances
Press Releases Aug 12, 2021
BB&K Partner Michael Maurer Recognized As Daily Journal Top 40 Under 40
Publication Annually Recognizes Attorneys for their Achievements
BB&K In the News Jun 28, 2021
BB&K Municipal Law Attorney Todd Leishman Appointed Indian Wells City Attorney
Brings Housing, Litigation, Real Estate and Public Law Experience to the Role
Press Releases Jun 21, 2021
BB&K’s HongDao Nguyen Named an Asian Leader Worth Watching
Profiles in Diversity Journal Recognizes Asian Leaders Worth Watching
Press Releases May 20, 2021
Sonia Carvalho Named a Top Woman Lawyer 2021
Daily Journal Includes Municipal Law Partner on its Annual List
Press Releases May 18, 2021
Municipal Law Attorney Frank Splendorio Joins BB&K
Of Counsel Has Robust City Attorney and Public Agency Law Experience
Press Releases Mar 30, 2021
Latino Leader Worth Watching: BB&K Partner Ruben Duran
Municipal Law Attorney Recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal
Authored Articles & Publications Dec 28, 2020
Partner John Brown Receives James H. Krieger Meritorious Award
Riverside Lawyer Magazine Feature on Brown, the Krieger Meritorious Service Award Winner
BB&K In the News Dec 03, 2020
BB&K Partner Ryan Baron Advising Calif. Cities on CCA Energy Path
Orange County Cities Seeking Guidance, According to News Reports
BB&K Event Oct 29, 2020
MMASC Annual Virtual Conference
Municipal Management Association of Southern California
BB&K Webinar Sep 16, 2020
The Brown Act: The People’s Business and the Right to Access
BB&K Workshop via Webinar
Press Releases Sep 11, 2020
BB&K Attorney Nicholaus Norvell Named a Top 40 Under 40 in San Diego
San Diego Daily Transcript Recognizes Young Professionals
Press Releases Dec 12, 2019
BB&K Partner John Brown Named Public Lawyer of the Year
California Lawyers Association’s Public Law Section Award Honors Commitment to Public Entities
Press Releases Jun 11, 2019
Two BB&K Partners Named Coachella Valley Top Lawyers
Henry Welles and Robert Hargreaves Selected by Palm Springs Life Magazine
BB&K In the News Mar 11, 2019
Construction Traffic Plan MOU
BB&K Attorneys Acknowledged for Contribution in the Hermosa Beach Patch
Press Releases Jan 02, 2019
BB&K Announces Three New Partners
Additional Changes to Leadership Roles
BB&K In the News Nov 05, 2018
Law360: BB&K Adds Three Health Attys from Archer Norris
The Legal Publication Interviews Colin Coffey, Noël Caughman and Alison Bassett
Press Releases Oct 22, 2018
BB&K’s Health Care Practice Welcomes Three New Members
Former Archer Norris Attorneys Join Firm
Press Releases Sep 17, 2018
BB&K Partner Ruben Duran Appointed to State Bar of California Board of Trustees
Public Law Attorney Joins Legal Industry Governing Body
Legal Alerts Aug 07, 2018
Ninth Circuit: No “Amen” to School Board Invocation
Prayers Violated First Amendment
Press Releases Jun 22, 2018
BB&K Partner Lauren Langer on Daily Journal 40 Under 40 List
Annual List Recognizes Attorneys for their Achievements
BB&K In the News Jun 01, 2018
Brent Collinson Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court Bar
Attorney Recently Merged Firm with BB&K, Sierra Sun Reports
Press Releases May 01, 2018
BB&K Partner Paula de Sousa Mills a San Diego Best Attorney
San Diego Metro Magazine Annual List
BB&K In the News Apr 03, 2018
The Recorder: SoCal’s Best Best & Krieger Scoops Up Eight-Lawyer Outfit
Jenkins & Hogin Merger with BB&K
Press Releases Apr 02, 2018
Jenkins & Hogin Joins Forces with Best Best & Krieger
Combination Creates Municipal Law Powerhouse Committed to Public Service
Press Releases Jan 02, 2018
Five Attorneys Named to Partnership
BB&K Announces Promotions
BB&K In the News Nov 27, 2017
Two Service Districts Form LAFCO
Plumas County News Reports on BB&K Partner Joshua Nelson’s Consolidation Advisement
Press Releases Mar 23, 2017
Sacramento Business Journal Again Ranks BB&K as a Top Litigation Firm
Based on Number of Attorneys
Legal Alerts Mar 09, 2017
Civil Discovery Act Applies to Public Records Act Proceedings, California Appellate Court Concludes
May Impose Increased Burdens on Public Agencies
BB&K In the News Mar 07, 2017
San Jacinto Getting New City Attorney
Press-Enterprise Reports on BB&K’s Michael Maurer’s Appointment
Legal Alerts Dec 29, 2016
Legal Invoices to Public Agencies in California May Be Exempt from Disclosure
The California Supreme Court Tackles Public Records vs. Attorney-Client Privilege
Videos Nov 30, 2016
Elizabeth Hull Video Bio
Partner
Videos Nov 22, 2016
Joseph Byrne Video Bio
Partner
BB&K In the News Nov 11, 2016
Mills Takes Over as FPUD Legal Counsel
Partner Paula de Sousa Mills Appointed New General Counsel of Fallbrook Public Utility District
Key Contacts
Related Services
- ARC: Advanced Records Center
- California Public Records Act
- Election Law
- Eminent Domain
- Environmental Law & Natural Resources
- Fees, Taxes & Assessments
- Government Affairs
- Government Policy & Public Integrity
- Health Care
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
- Police & Public Safety
- Ports
- Public Agency Labor & Employment
- Public Agency Litigation
- Public Finance
- Public Infrastructure
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Real Estate
- Renewable Energy
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Water
- Water Quality
- Water Rights