Free Webinar Jul 15, 2021
Understanding and Integrating the Sixth Circuit’s Cable Order
BB&K Free Webinar
Under increasing pressure posed by state and federal government mandates and insufficient available funding, cities and public agencies must balance budgets, manage competing interests and serve their constituencies. Meeting all these needs requires a high level of regulatory and legal knowledge and experience, as well as public relations and political finesse.
Best Best & Krieger LLP’s Municipal Law practice is regarded as a leader in the field, ranked “Tier One” by U.S. News-Best Lawyers in America. Our attorneys are consistently recognized on various top attorney rankings lists, including Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. The practice, established at the firm’s inception in 1891, currently represents close to 250 cities and counties.
Our highly skilled, diverse team of lawyers offers comprehensive, cost-effective counsel to cities, housing authorities, successor agencies and joint powers authorities. We help these clients successfully maneuver through legal complexities and governmental directives, enabling them to focus on providing superior service to their communities.
Comprehensive, Cost-Effective Service
BB&K Municipal Law attorneys advise on all matters involving city services, operations, administration and regulation. These include:
City Attorney Services
- Brown Act/open meetings law compliance
- Charters and Internal Organizations
- Comprehensive Code Enforcement
- Conflicts of interest
- Elections and redistricting issues
- Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs)
- Government Policy & Public Integrity
- Public Records Act
- Records retention and destruction
- Subpoenas
- Grant writing and funding assistance
- Fees, Taxes & Assessments
- Public-Private Partnerships
Government Relations
Labor & Employment, including Employee Benefits
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Public Contracts, Public Works, Utilities & Infrastructure
- Business Licensing & Franchising
- Renewable Energy
- Solid Waste Management
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Water
Public Safety
Planning, Development & Real Estate Issues
- Economic Development, Real Estate & Affordable Housing
- Environmental Law
- Land Use, Planning & Zoning
- Real estate acquisition, transactions and construction issues
- Williamson Act
Advocacy & Litigation
Unlike other firms, which focus on either lobby and advocacy or city services guidance, BB&K has extensive experience assisting clients in both areas. Working closely with our government relations and litigation teams, we advocate for clients before legislative and regulatory bodies, and assert and defend their interests in courts at all levels. This integrated approach enables clients to rely on just one firm to meet all of their city services and advocacy needs.
Election Law Resource Center
BB&K’s Election Law Resource Center gives California cities the Vote of Confidence they need to ensure legal compliance with all aspects of local elections. This unique service includes:
- A digital copy of BB&K’s Election Law Toolkit
- Email and telephone hotline
Get Your Vote of Confidence
Free Webinar Jun 23, 2021
Now That You Have ARPA Funds – What’s Next?
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Jun 18, 2021
Treasury Releases ARPA State and Local Recovery Funding Compliance and Reporting Requirements/Deadlines
Guidance Includes Four Key Principles to Know
Press Releases Jun 17, 2021
BB&K Completes Request for Review of FCC Small Cell Rules Before the Supreme Court
Communities Fighting for Local Control Over Public Right of Way
Legal Alerts Jun 17, 2021
CPUC Issues Funding Rule Change for Undergrounding Power Lines
Prohibitions and Other Requirements on Rule 20A Program
BB&K In the News Jun 11, 2021
The Journey of the Asian American Lawyer: An Interview with BB&K Attorney Nowland Hong [VIDEO]
Stories and Voices from L.A. Chinatown
Press Releases Jun 10, 2021
Paralegal Peggy Barnes Honored by International Right of Way Association
Two Professional of the Year Recognitions
Press Releases Jun 08, 2021
BB&K Attorneys Return to Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars List
Megan Garibaldi, Ryan Guiboa and Jennifer Misetich on 2021 List
Authored Articles & Publications Jun 04, 2021
Two-Time BB&K Summer Associate Shares His Experience in Bloomberg Law
Marco Ornelas Contributes to “Acing It as a Summer Associate” Series
Press Releases May 28, 2021
BB&K Ranked No. 12 in U.S. on Diversity Scorecard
The American Lawyer Gave Firm High Rankings for Minority Equity Partners and Hispanic Attorneys
Authored Articles & Publications May 26, 2021
Planning, Zoning and Development Legal Update
A Q&A With BB&K Of Counsel Todd Leishman and Partner Alisha Winterswyk
Legal Alerts May 25, 2021
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Guidance for NEUs
U.S. Treasury Provides Direction on Distribution to Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government
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
BB&K In the News May 13, 2021
Public Finance Partner Mrunal Shah Discusses Climate Change Disclosures with The Bond Buyer
California Looks to Uniform Reporting Framework
Legal Alerts May 10, 2021
U.S. Treasury Releases Guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Six Ways the Funds Can be Used
Authored Articles & Publications May 07, 2021
Don’t Book That Flight Yet! California City Officials Have Voting District Deadlines
Election Law Partner Scott Smith Discusses Redistricting Requirements in Western City Magazine
Press Releases May 03, 2021
Telecommunications Law Attorney Cheryl Leanza Joins BB&K
Based in Washington, D.C., She Brings Extensive Litigation and Advocacy Experience
Event Apr 29, 2021
Emerging Issues Relevant to City Attorneys
League of California Cities 2021 City Attorneys' Conference
Press Releases Apr 26, 2021
Stephanie Smith Receives City Clerks Association of California’s Pat Hammers Spirit Award
Stephanie Now Serves as BB&K’s Director of Election Services
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 22, 2021
Earth Day: Municipal Bond Climate Change Disclosure Update
Climate Change Disclosures are Growing in Importance, Writes BB&K's Mrunal Shah in PublicCEO
Client Successes Apr 21, 2021
Citing Potential Water Waste, Court Sides with California Dam Operators
Federal Court Denies Injunction
Press Releases Apr 21, 2021
Shawn Hagerty Named a San Diego Best Attorney 2021
Annual San Diego Metro Magazine List Includes BB&K Partner
BB&K In the News Apr 20, 2021
Legal Analysis Reports Following Groundwater Pumping Decision
Daily Journal and Law360 Go In-Depth on BB&K Antelope Valley Groundwater Adjudication Success
Event Apr 19, 2021
Water, Cable Franchising and Federal Communications Updates
International Municipal Lawyers Association 2021 Mid-Year Seminar
Legal Alerts Apr 19, 2021
Beware of Coastal Act Violations: Court Upholds Coastal Commission’s Authority to Impose up to $20 Million Penalty
Property Owner’s Beach Access Case
Legal Alerts Apr 16, 2021
U.S. Treasury Releases New Guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund
Agencies Should Be Aware of Pre-Award Requirements
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 13, 2021
Court Grants Attorneys' Fees Against City in Development Litigation
CEQA Appellate Court Decision Analyzed by BB&K's Amanda Daams in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Apr 12, 2021
AB 537 Creates a “Deemed Granted” Remedy for all Wireless Applications, Including Small Cells
Assembly Local Government Committee Hearing Set for Wednesday, April 14
Event Apr 08, 2021
Public Records, Social Media, Redistricting and More
City Clerks Association of California's 2021 Annual Conference
Legal Alerts Apr 08, 2021
California Small Cell Bill to Severely Limit Local Government Control of Street Lights and Traffic Signal Poles
Oppose SB 556: Hearing Set for April 19
Press Releases Apr 01, 2021
JD Supra Recognizes BB&K Attorneys With 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards
Construction Law Top Author and a Top-Read Tax Article
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 31, 2021
Dockless Scooters, Data & Privacy
Court Holds There is No Reasonable Expectation of Privacy in Rental Scooter Location Information
Press Releases Mar 30, 2021
Latino Leader Worth Watching: BB&K Partner Ruben Duran
Municipal Law Attorney Recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal
Legal Alerts Mar 25, 2021
Appellate Decisions Limiting Groundwater Pumping in an Overdrafted Basin
Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication
Legal Alerts Mar 19, 2021
Disclosing Law Enforcement Personnel Records
The Intersection Between Brady Lists, Pitchess Statutes and SB 1421
Legal Alerts Mar 18, 2021
Calif. Cities Can Still Impose Commercial Eviction Moratoriums
Executive Order Extends Authorization
Legal Alerts Mar 11, 2021
COVID-19 Relief Package Provides Substantial Aid to States, Counties and Cities
$1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Federal Relief Package – American Rescue Plan Act
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 08, 2021
Sidewalk Vending Laws: Three Lessons Learned
BB&K Attorney Albert Maldonado Shares Insights from Helping Cities with Sidewalk Vendor Laws
Free Webinar Mar 04, 2021
Regulating OTARDS: The Other Small Cells
BB&K Free Webinar
Client Successes Mar 01, 2021
Grocer Pandemic Pay Ordinance Upheld
BB&K Team Defends City’s Ordinance from Injunction Action in Federal Court
Free Webinar Feb 18, 2021
2021 Public Records Act Legislative Update
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases Feb 10, 2021
BB&K Announces Election Law Practice Expansion and New Client Services
A “Toolkit” and Hotline Among New Offerings
Press Releases Feb 03, 2021
BB&K Office Makes Sacramento Top 10 Law Firm
Sacramento Business Journal’s Annual Law Firm Rankings
Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2021
Court Provides Guidance in Applying “Racially Polarized Voting” Analysis to a California Voting Rights Act Challenge
Court of Appeal Decision in Yumori-Kaku et al. v. City of Santa Clara
Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2021
FCC Continues to Undercut Local Authority on OTARD
Oversight of Satellite Dishes and Certain Antennas Curtailed
Legal Alerts Feb 01, 2021
Cities are Not Liable for Lessees’ Exercise of Choice in Speakers
Ninth Circuit Affirms Limits on Private and Municipal Liability for First Amendment Violations
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 01, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions About New Social Media and Open Meeting Laws
BB&K’s HongDao Nguyen and Albert Maldonado Answer Public Officials’ Questions on AB 992 on the CSDA Blog
Press Releases Jan 28, 2021
ARC: Advanced Records Center’s Christine Wood Named a Top Minority Attorney by L.A. Business Journal
A Trusted Advisor in the Business of Public Service
Press Releases Jan 26, 2021
Six BB&K Attorneys Make Southern California Super Lawyers List
BB&K Attorneys Spanning Across Los Angeles and Irvine Receive 2021 Honor
Legal Alerts Jan 25, 2021
Redistricting in California
What Public Agencies Must Know Ahead of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Data Release
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 20, 2021
Public Record Costs
Director of PRA Services and e-Discovery Counsel Christine Wood Discusses National Lawyers Guild v. City of Hayward in Sacramento Magazine
Legal Alerts Jan 19, 2021
Elected Officials Entitled to Some, Not All, Public Agency Records
Access Depends on if Record Request is from “Elected Official” or “Member of the Public”
Legal Alerts Jan 14, 2021
Wage & Hour, Leave and Other New Laws for California Employers
Part 2: New Labor & Employment Laws for Businesses and Public Agencies in 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 13, 2021
COVID-19 Laws Impacting California Employers
Part 1: New Labor & Employment Laws for Businesses and Public Agencies in 2021
Event Jan 08, 2021
Planning, Zoning and Development Law: What's New from California's Judicial and Legislative Branches
UCLA Extension Public Policy Program's 35th Annual Land Use Law & Planning Conference
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 08, 2021
Best in Law: Protecting Privacy on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps
Glen Price Discusses Privacy Issues Around COVID-19 CA Notify App and Others
Legal Alerts Jan 07, 2021
California Public Records Act Update
New CPRA Case Law and Legislation for 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 06, 2021
Court Confirms FPPC's Authority to Punish Public Agencies That Spend Undisclosed Public Money to Influence Voters at Elections
California Trial Court Rules on Campaign-Related Public Spending
Legal Alerts Jan 06, 2021
Housing and Environmental New Laws
Part 2: New Laws Impacting California Public Agencies for 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 05, 2021
New Public Agency Laws on Safety, Finance, Contracting and More
Part 1: New Laws Impacting California Public Agencies for 2021
Press Releases Jan 04, 2021
New Partner, Leaders and Diversity Committee
BB&K Announces Changes for 2021
Authored Articles & Publications Dec 28, 2020
Partner Jack Clarke Honors Colleague John Brown
Riverside Lawyer Magazine Feature on Brown, the Krieger Meritorious Service Award Winner
Legal Alerts Dec 21, 2020
Special Taxes by Voter Initiative Only Require Majority Voter Approval
For the Second Time This Year, California Appellate Court Upholds Voting Requirement
Legal Alerts Dec 17, 2020
Taxpayer Actions Can be Used to Challenge Government Contracts Even After Contract Completion
California Court of Appeal Decision in School District Case Applies to Public Agencies
Legal Alerts Dec 16, 2020
New Surplus Land Act Requirements to Take Effect Jan. 1
California Public Agencies Impacted by AB 1486 Mandates
Legal Alerts Dec 14, 2020
New Tribal Consultation Process for Multi-Family Housing
California’s AB 168 Adds Requirements to Approval Process
Legal Alerts Dec 10, 2020
EPA Issues Guidance on Groundwater Releases in Wake of Maui v. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund
Clarity Provided for New “Functional Equivalent” Test
BB&K In the News Dec 08, 2020
BB&K Attorney and Barrett, The Honors College at ASU Alum Christina Morgan Profiled
The Business Practice Group Member Featured in Alumni Newsletter
Legal Alerts Dec 04, 2020
California Issues Regional Stay Home Order
New Restrictions for Regions Lacking ICU Availability
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
Press Releases Dec 02, 2020
BB&K Partners Named Coachella Valley Top Lawyers for 2020
Palm Springs Life Magazine Recognizes Henry Welles and Robert Hargreaves
Legal Alerts Dec 02, 2020
During a Pandemic, is a Grocery Store Run the Same as a Baptism Under the 1st Amendment?
SCOTUS Sets Aside New York Limits on Religious Gatherings
Legal Alerts Dec 01, 2020
SB 1383 Regulations on Organic Waste are Finalized
Local Government Agencies Should Begin Preparing for Jan. 1, 2022 Effective Date
Legal Alerts Nov 30, 2020
FPPC Finds Potential Conflict of Interest Based on Elected Officials’ Spouses’ Positions
The Spouses Work at Health Care Facilities that Compete with Project Under City Council Consideration
Event Nov 20, 2020
California Land Use Law & Policy Conference 2020
Argent Communications Group
BB&K Webinar Nov 18, 2020
Comments, Likes and Emojis, Oh My! An Update on Evolving Social Media Law for Public Officials and Agencies
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Nov 17, 2020
Cell Site Landlords: Expect Increase in Requests to Install Generators
Don’t Surrender Your Property Rights
Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2020
CPRA Requesters Could Pay Agency Costs to Store Emails
Requesters Must Post an Undertaking if Public Agency Will Suffer Certain Damages During Injunction Proceedings
Legal Alerts Nov 10, 2020
California Clears the Path for Rentals in Residential Common Interest Developments
However, AB 3182 Creates Ambiguity for Rental Restrictions in CIDs
BB&K Event Nov 09, 2020
AEP 2020 Virtual Conference
Association of Environmental Professionals
BB&K Webinar Nov 05, 2020
Be Aware of Hot Telecommunications Issues in 2020-2021
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases Nov 05, 2020
BB&K’s 2021 Best Law Firms Rankings Include New Tier 1 Recognitions
Annual U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers List
Press Releases Nov 04, 2020
Labor & Employment Partner Alison Alpert Named a Woman of Influence
SD Metro Magazine Recognizes San Diego Women for their Professional Achievements
BB&K Event Oct 29, 2020
MMASC Annual Virtual Conference
Municipal Management Association of Southern California
Legal Alerts Oct 27, 2020
Calif. Housing Laws Amended by 2020 Bills
Limited Local Control, Affordable Housing Incentives and More
Legal Alerts Oct 27, 2020
Mobile Billboard Ordinance that Exempts Certain Vehicles is a Content-Based Regulation
Such Regulations are Subject to Strict Scrutiny, Ninth Circuit Rules
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 20, 2020
Public Officials' New Social Media Open Meeting Law
California's AB 992 Analyzed in PublicCEO by BB&K's HongDao Nguyen and Albert Maldonado
Free Webinar Oct 15, 2020
AB 1234 Ethics Training (Oct. 15, 2020)
BB&K Workshop via Webinar
BB&K Webinar Oct 08, 2020
Demonstrations and the Changing Face of Public Speech in the United States: A View from the End of Apartheid in South Africa
BB&K Free Webinar
Event Oct 07, 2020
LCC 2020 Annual Conference & Expo
League of California Cities
Press Releases Oct 01, 2020
BB&K Attorney Nowland Hong a 2020 Person of the Year
Metropolitan-News Enterprise Honors Litigator for Work on New Book “Lawyers of Los Angeles”
BB&K Webinar Sep 30, 2020
Disclosure Obligations of Issuers in Public Offerings
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Sep 30, 2020
DOL Clarified the Federal Family First Coronavirus Response Act
New Rules and a Court Decision Followed the FFCRA’s Passage
Legal Alerts Sep 29, 2020
SB 1383 Expands Calif. Family Rights Act
New Law Takes Effect Jan. 1
Press Releases Sep 28, 2020
Partner John E. Brown Receives James H. Krieger Meritorious Service Award
Riverside County Bar Association Honors Long-Term Community Service
Legal Alerts Sep 24, 2020
Western Joshua Trees Receive Temporary Protection Under the California Endangered Species Act
Designation Impacts Local Ordinances and Developments Involving the Tree
Press Releases Sep 23, 2020
BB&K Partner Nancy Park is a Woman Worth Watching
Profiles in Diversity Journal Named the Business Practice Leader to its Annual List
Legal Alerts Sep 23, 2020
Two Courts Offer Election Guidance: Slow-Walking Ballots is Unconstitutional
Mail-In and Absentee Ballots Debated in COVID-19 Pandemic and Election Day Overlap
Key Contacts
Related Services
- ARC: Advanced Records Center
- Business Licensing & Franchising
- California Public Records Act
- Charters & Internal Organizations
- Comprehensive Code Enforcement
- Economic Development, Real Estate & Affordable Housing
- Election Law
- Eminent Domain
- Energy
- Fees, Taxes & Assessments
- Government Policy & Public Integrity
- Government Relations
- Hazardous Waste
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
- Police & Public Safety
- Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Public Agency Labor & Employment
- Public Agency Litigation
- Public Contracts & Construction
- Public Finance
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Water