March 16, 2005

Cassman Selected to Lead
Hanson Bridgett's Public Agency Section

Joan L. Cassman, a partner in the San Francisco office of Hanson Bridgett, has been appointed Head of the firm's Public Agency Section. Cassman succeeds David J. Miller, a distinguished public agency partner who is stepping down from his leadership role after 29 years.

An experienced attorney who provides legal services to a number of municipalities and public agencies, Cassman brings 27 years of legal expertise to her role as Public Agency Section Head. She received her J.D. in 1977 from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and her B.A. in 1974 from Wellesley College.

"I am very excited about this opportunity," said Cassman. "Municipal and public agency law has been one of the firm's primary specialties for over 40 years. It is a pleasure to work with such a highly-respected group of attorneys. I would also like to thank David Miller for his years of service as Head of the Public Agency Section. He has long been known as one of the leaders in this area of law, and has been a great leader and partner at this firm."

Cassman, 52, has spent her entire legal career at Hanson Bridgett. She joined the firm in 1977 as the firm's first female attorney, and later became the first female partner and the first woman named to the firm's Management Committee. Cassman serves as the City Attorney for Millbrae and as general counsel to a number of joint powers authorities and special districts located on the Bay Area peninsula. She represents the San Mateo County Transit District, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, and serves as the independent evaluator for the San Jose Elections Commission. In addition, she is retained as special counsel for various cities, such as San Carlos, San Bruno, and Colma on annexation, environmental, real-property and franchise agreement projects.

Cassman has also launched the firm's Government Ethics Practice Group, which provides assistance to local governments to create an environment where governmental services are delivered in an effective and ethical manner. The group also provides investigations for allegations of unethical conduct in the public sector. Cassman recently served as an evaluator and consultant to the San Jose City Council on the investigation of the procurement for the conveyed network system for their new City Hall.

"Joan blazed the way for women at our firm," said Partner David Miller. "She has ably held many leadership positions in the firm and her client base includes every type of public agency the firm represents. I look forward to working with Joan as the new Section Head."

"The firm is committed to providing unparalleled capabilities and effectiveness in the representation of public agencies and I am confident that Joan and the Section will continue to have great success," said Managing Partner Andrew Giacomini.

Contact:
Joan L. Cassman

Hanson Bridgett Public Relations:
P: 415-995-5192, F: 415-541-9366

To receive future Hanson Bridgett Press Releases by email or hard copy please email flopez@hansonbridgett.com.