Julie represents a variety of public sector clients including cities and counties, transit agencies, special districts, and regional planning entities.
Julie frequently litigates torts, civil rights defense, and other land use cases. She is experienced in dangerous condition of public property, design immunity and other personal injury matters. Julie handles issues arising under the First, Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as under Title II and VI. She also provides risk management advice to public sector clients. Julie also represents private clients in various litigation matters.
Prior to law school, Julie worked as an aide to a United States Senator.
Representative Work
Dammann v. Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District (2012) 212 Cal.App.4th 335. Court of Appeal affirmed grant of summary judgment for the district, finding that it is still entitled to design immunity for lack of a median barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge, despite plaintiffs’ argument that the existence of technological advances for median barriers, which allegedly have made other bridges safer, should result in the district losing its immunity.
Darensburg v. Metropolitan Transportation Commission, 636 F.3d 511 (9th Cir. 2011). Litigated, tried, and won this precedent-setting class action involving Title VI claims that regional transportation planning agency discriminated against minority bus riders in its distribution of transit funds.
Hoffman v. Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District. Defended district on summary judgment in case addressing whether it was entitled to trail immunity for bicycle accident that occurred on the sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Bautista v. State of California. Successfully challenged, by appellate writ, trial-court order allowing broad, exploratory discovery in traditional mandamus proceeding against state agency.
Publications
"Why Technological Advancements Should Not Undermine Design Immunity," co-author, Daily Journal (January 2011)
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Presentations
“California Government Code Section 11135 and Title VI,” Title VI Workshop (May 2013)
“Social Media: Rules to Minimize Legal Risk for Transit Agencies,” American Public Transportation Association Legal Affairs Seminar (February 2013)
“Social Media and Local Government: A Few Basic Rules to Minimize Your Agency’s Legal Risk Both Internally and Externally” co-presenter, MMANC Annual Conference (October 2012)
"Learning to Share: Identifying the benefits and managing the risks of resource sharing and out-sourcing in the public sector," co-presenter, MMANC Annual Conference (October 2011)
"California and Federal E-Discovery," California County Counsels’ Association, Land Use Conference (May 2010)
"Preservation Obligations & Litigation Holds," American Public Transportation Association Legal Conference (February 2010)
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Honors
Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Service (2001, 2006)