Government

Representing public agencies has been a principal specialty of Hanson Bridgett  for more than 50 years. We represent, as general counsel, transportation districts, cities, water districts, harbor districts, community service districts, fire districts, hospital districts, joint powers authorities, associations of local governmental agencies and sanitation districts. In addition, we serve public agencies on individual assignments (or as on-going counsel in specific areas of the law) on projects involving labor and employment law, municipal finance, litigation, environmental laws, rate setting, real estate and land use, government reorganization and complex procurements and contract negotiations.

Much of the work for public sector clients is performed by attorneys in the government group, composed of lawyers whose practices are devoted exclusively to representation of general and special purpose public agencies. Whenever necessary we are able to draw on the expertise of attorneys in other specialized practice areas.

Just like our clients, we are creative, resourceful and dedicated to providing the best service possible. We take pride in understanding the business of our public agency clients and in finding ways to implement their goals and objectives on a sound legal basis and in a cost-effective manner.

The firm has substantial (in some cases unsurpassed) experience with issues unique to agencies providing services in certain fields. These include transportation, water supply and solid waste management.

Areas of Expertise:

• Open Government Laws
• Conflicts of Interest
• Public Procurement
• Public Works and Infrastructure
• Labor and Employment
• Employee Benefits
• Litigation
• Appellate Advocacy
• Technology Procurements
• Privacy, Data Security and Information Control
• Environmental Law
• Financial and Rate Setting
• Taxes, Assessments and Fees
• Administrative Law
• Legislation
• Insurance Recovery
• Code Enforcement
• Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation
• LAFCO Issues
• Land Use
• Real Property Acquisition, Management and Disposition
• Elections
• Joint Powers Agreements
• Ordinances and Resolutions
• Public Private Partnerships

For a more in-depth overview of our capabilities and approach, please see the Brochures and Related Practices descriptions on this page.