Michael Maurer practices Municipal Law as an attorney at Best Best & Krieger LLP. In addition to advising cities on the legalities of their day-to-day operations, Mike provides exceptional guidance to public agencies in the areas of land use, public infrastructure and construction, and open government and ethics laws.
Public Infrastructure and Facilities
Mike regularly guides clients through the process of constructing and improving public infrastructure and facilities. He advises on major construction and renovation projects involving tens of millions of dollars in public investment, and works with agencies to implement alternative options, such as design-build. Mike’s goal is to help clients deliver projects on-time and on-budget. To meet this challenge, he finds innovative approaches to resolve legal disputes that arise during construction, aiding clients in avoiding claims and negotiating settlements. Where necessary, Mike has also litigated construction disputes on behalf of public agency clients.
Land Use
Mike serves as counsel to the Arcadia Planning Commission and assists several planning departments in all facets of development and land use transactions. He regularly works with city planners to draft ordinances, negotiate agreements, prepare conditions of approval and take necessary steps to ensure that cities’ rights and interests are protected. He has advised on complex development matters, including negotiating development agreements, the creation of new subdivisions and entitlements for large-scale businesses.
Municipal Law
Mike serves as city attorney for the City of San Jacinto, where he advises the City Council at each of its meetings. He also serves as assistant city attorney for the cities of Avalon and Arcadia, as well as assistant general counsel to Castaic Lake Water Agency, Gold Coast Health Plan and the Pasadena Glen Community Services District. As a municipal attorney, Mike works closely with local government boards, executives and staff members to find creative solutions to the challenges facing their communities.
Mike is also uniquely experienced with the Americans with Disabilities Act, having obtained a published decision in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that provides helpful guidance to agencies that own and operate facilities for public events. He has worked with agencies to resolve disputes and develop solutions for potential barriers to access in public facilities and rights of way.
As a law student at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Mike provided legal counsel to local community groups as part of the Community Economic Development Clinic. From this experience, he developed an understanding and passion for the important role that local government plays in serving in communities and bringing about positive change. He is grateful that he now has the opportunity to counsel the civic leaders who provide these services. Mike is licensed to practice law in the State of California.
Education
- University of California, Hastings, J.D., cum laude
- Chapman University, B.A., magna cum laude