Municipal Law

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 

Public Finance

• 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. 

Event Dec 08, 2021

LCC's 2021 City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar

BB&K Attorneys to Present on Language Inclusivity and Public Records Processing

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 23, 2021

BB&K Recall Trial Win Featured by Law360

Article Highlights Firm’s Trial Strategy and Limited Preparation Time

Event Nov 18, 2021

2021 California Land Use Law & Policy Conference

BB&K's Lauren Langer and Todd Leishman to Discuss Affordable Housing at Virtual Event

Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2021

Monumental $1.2 Trillion Bill Passed to Revitalize the Nation’s Infrastructure

Highlights of the Bill President Biden Signed Into Law on Nov. 15

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

Press Releases Nov 04, 2021

BB&K’s 2022 Best Law Firms Rankings Include New National Tier 1 Recognition

Numerous Other Gains in 12th Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Rankings

Press Releases Nov 02, 2021

Two BB&K Partners Again Recognized as Coachella Valley Top Lawyers

Robert Hargreaves and Henry Welles Named to Palm Springs Life Magazine’s 2021 Top Lawyers List

Client Successes Nov 01, 2021

BB&K Defends Shasta County Against Court Order for Recall Effort

Firm Wins High-Profile Matter with Limited Time to Prepare Opposition

Event Oct 28, 2021

2021 Municipal Management Association of Southern California Annual Conference

BB&K’s Albert Maldonado and Henry Castillo to Present at Virtual Event

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

Event Oct 26, 2021

2021 Board Secretary/Clerk Conference

BB&K’s Ruben Duran and Stephanie Smith to Speak at California Special Districts Association’s Annual Event

Legal Alerts Oct 19, 2021

Department of Water Resources Invites Water Use Efficiency Standards Feedback

DWR Water Use Efficiency Branch to Host Three Informational Meetings and Solicit Feedback

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

Legal Alerts Oct 11, 2021

California Small Cell Bill Vetoed, But Deemed Granted Remedy for Small Cell Applications Signed Into Law

Key Takeaways From Governor’s SB 556 and AB 537 Actions

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

Legal Alerts Oct 06, 2021

Relief for California Local Jurisdictions Unable to Meet Deadline to Implement Organic Waste Diversion Regulations

Governor Signs SB 619 Into Law

Legal Alerts Oct 05, 2021

AB 345: Local Agencies Must Allow Separate Sale or Conveyance of Certain ADUs

Applies to ADUs Constructed by Qualified Nonprofits

Event Oct 01, 2021

Environmental Regulations, Broadband Property Rights, Records Requests and More

International Municipal Lawyers Association 86th Annual Conference

Press Releases Oct 01, 2021

BB&K Partner Joseph Van Eaton Awarded IMLA’s Premier Lifetime Achievement Award

Charles S. Rhyne Lifetime Achievement in Municipal Law Award Given Intermittently to “Truly Uncommon Individuals”

Legal Alerts Oct 01, 2021

California’s Moratorium on Water Shut-Offs Extended and Expanded

SB 155 Took Effect Immediately

Legal Alerts Sep 30, 2021

New Law Expands Public Access to Police Misconduct Records

SB 16 Signed Into Law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 30

Authored Articles & Publications Sep 28, 2021

Bridging the Gap: Maximizing the Benefits of Working in an Intergenerational Office

BB&K’s Mrunal Shah on Understanding Generational Strengths and Styles to Work as a More Effective Unit

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 23, 2021

120-Day Statute of Limitations for New or Increased California Water and Sewer Rates

SB 323 Signed Into Law and Effective Jan. 1

Event Sep 22, 2021

2021 NATOA Annual Conference

National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors

Event Sep 22, 2021

Rising Threats in Cybersecurity, the Government Start-Up, Out-of-the-Box Decision-Making and More

League of California Cities 2021 Annual Conference

Legal Alerts Sep 22, 2021

Court Prohibits Los Angeles City from Summarily Destroying Homeless Individuals’ “Bulky” Items

Ninth Circuit Affirms Lower Court’s Preliminary Injunction

Press Releases Sep 21, 2021

Municipal Law Attorney Derra Purnell Joins BB&K

Of Counsel Has Noted Public Sector and Compliance Experience in Southwest

Press Releases Sep 21, 2021

Two BB&K Attorneys Honored by CCCA at 2021 Fall Conference

Christi Hogin and Michael Jenkins Selected to Receive El Matador Grande Award

Legal Alerts Sep 17, 2021

EPA Withdraws Trump-era Guidance on When Groundwater Releases Require Clean Water Act Permits

Withdrawal expands “functional equivalent” test for discharges that the Supreme Court established in County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund

Authored Articles & Publications Sep 16, 2021

Environmental Justice and the Convergence of Social Awareness and Climate Change

Gene Tanaka, Rebecca Andrews and Julia Li Address the Impact of Federal and State Environmental Justice Initiatives in Municipal Lawyer

Free Webinar Sep 14, 2021

American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: Key Implementation, Compliance and Reporting Guidelines

BB&K Free Webinar

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 Sep 10, 2021

Christopher Pisano Named 2021 Legal Visionary

L.A. Times Business of Law Publication Recognizes Work of BB&K Litigator

Legal Alerts Sep 09, 2021

SB 9: It’s Not a Duplex Bill, It’s a Fourplex Bill!

Bill to Allow Lot Splits and Two-Unit Projects By-Right in Single-Family Zones Passes in Legislature and Awaits Governor Approval

Legal Alerts Sep 08, 2021

Common Interest Developments May Not Impose Post-Purchase Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals

City Restrictions Are Not Affected

Legal Alerts Sep 07, 2021

Bill Expanding Public Access to Police Misconduct Records Approved by California Senate

Gov. Gavin Newsom Must Sign or Veto by October 10

Legal Alerts Sep 03, 2021

California’s New $6 Billion Broadband Program: How Can It Assist Your Community?

Localities Should Take Advantage of Grant Programs Before Application Deadlines Close

Press Releases Aug 30, 2021

BB&K’s Brian Byun Appointed to ABA Division Council

Named to New Role at ABA Annual Meeting

Legal Alerts Aug 26, 2021

Court Rules on Parking Reduction & CEQA Impact

Confirms Reduction in Parking Considered Social Impact Rather Than Environmental

Legal Alerts Aug 23, 2021

Court Rules that City-Erected Structure at a Municipal Airport is Not “Shelter”

Decision in Compliance with Martin v. City of Boise

Press Releases Aug 19, 2021

32 BB&K Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers in America List for 2022

3 Named “Lawyer of the Year” and 4 Included on “Ones to Watch” List

Legal Alerts Aug 19, 2021

AB 819 Increases Public Access to CEQA Documents

Bill Will Become Effective Jan. 1, 2022

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

Press Releases Jul 28, 2021

Partner Amy Hoyt Selected for Leadership Riverside Class of 2022

Graduates of Leadership Riverside go on to advocate for betterment of Riverside

Client Successes Jul 21, 2021

Hero Pay Ordinance Upheld

BB&K Team Successfully Defends City of Coachella’s Ordinance

Authored Articles & Publications Jul 20, 2021

ARPA Guidance for Municipalities

Six Main Categories for Recipients, Writes Attorneys Ana Schwab, Andre Monette and Gerard Lavery Lederer in PublicCEO

Free Webinar Jul 15, 2021

Understanding and Integrating the Sixth Circuit’s Cable Order

BB&K Free Webinar

Press Releases Jul 14, 2021

Christopher Pisano Named a Top Litigator by Los Angeles Business Journal

BB&K Partner Recognized for “Hero Pay” Work and More

Legal Alerts Jul 14, 2021

Sixth Circuit Cable Order Challenged by City Coalitions

Franchise Requirements Should Not be Treated as Franchise Fees and Cable Operators Can be Charged Fees on Non-Cable Services, Cities Argue

Legal Alerts Jul 13, 2021

AB 832: California Eviction Protections

COVID-19 Rental Housing Recovery Act

Authored Articles & Publications Jul 08, 2021

Real Estate Acquisitions for Public Agencies: Do Your Homework!

Thorough, Fact-finding Due Diligence Mitigates Risks, Writes Real Estate Attorney Nancy Park in PublicCEO

Press Releases Jul 07, 2021

Seven BB&K Attorneys Named 2021 Northern California Super Lawyers

Attorneys Honored by Legal Industry

Press Releases Jun 30, 2021

Partner Joey Sanchez: Top Labor & Employment Attorney

The Daily Journal Includes BB&K’s Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader on 2021 List

Authored Articles & Publications Jun 29, 2021

Ransomware Prevention and Response Tips for Public Agencies

As Cities, Utilities and Others Increasingly Become Targeted, Privacy & Cybersecurity Partner Leeann Habte Gives Guidance in PublicCEO

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 25, 2021

BB&K One of the 200 Largest Law Firms in the U.S.

National Law Journal Also Gives High Rankings for Number of Women Attorneys

Legal Alerts Jun 24, 2021

EPA Publishes Instructions for Water Utilities to Obtain Chemicals in Short Supply

Water Agencies Can Obtain Priority to Chlorine and Other Chemicals

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