Public Agency

Our Public Agency attorneys advise a wide range of local government organizations throughout California, from water and wastewater agencies, to healthcare districts, to joint powers authorities formed to operate self-insurance pools of municipalities and special districts, to school districts. We also help private clients negotiate with public agencies, such as property owners facing condemnation, or developers or private businesses seeking to form a special district or access public utility services. Our practice includes work as general counsel, bond counsel, special counsel, and litigation counsel.

Our attorneys are experienced and prepared to advise you on public law matters such as open meetings, public records, eminent domain, public contracting and election laws, as well as conflict of interest rules (State, Federal and corporate), governmental immunities and liabilities and the political environment in which they operate. Our work as bond counsel requires us to understand limits on the uses and investment of public funds, tax-exemption regulations, the powers of general law and charter cities. As special counsel, we advise on formation of joint powers agencies, Proposition 218 and other rate-setting challenges, LAFCO proceedings, the California Voting Rights Act, conflicts of interest, and validation actions, among other matters.

We strive to understand your industry, which means knowing how a sewage treatment plant works, the land development and subdivision process; how drought restrictions are determined and enforced; what a public hospital’s obligations are to indigent patients who seek emergency care;  and how different privacy laws affect hospital districts and water utilities.

Procopio can also provide guidance and assistance with the construction of new facilities or the renovation of existing ones. We have attorneys highly experienced with drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts. Our attorneys also handle all aspects of competitive bidding for public works projects. We provide oversight and contract administration assistance during the course of construction, as well as handling complex claims that may develop relating to schedule delays, change order work and defective workmanship. When necessary, we also represent clients through all stages of any alternative dispute resolution process and litigation.