At Leal ▪ Trejo, APC, our mission is to be an aggressive law firm with a client-centric focus. Having represented a variety of public agencies for over a decade, Leal ▪ Trejo is experienced in handling all matters regarding education and municipal law.

Whether it is reviewing an entire city’s budget or negotiating with unions, the attorneys at Leal ▪ Trejo are prepared to take on the most challenging assignments and deliver. Our experienced, dedicated attorneys are problem solvers as well as team players. All of the Firm’s attorneys have extensive, relevant experience in the representation of public agencies.

Leal ▪ Trejo stands ready and is uniquely poised to meet the general counsel needs of municipalities.

Our Firm prides itself with meeting all daily needs of the city including but not limited to:

MUNICIPAL LAW

The attorneys at Leal ▪ Trejo possess extensive experience in Municipal Law and advising City Council members in all areas of municipal affairs.

BROWN ACT COMPLIANCE

As a matter of necessity, members of the Firm are thoroughly versed in all matters related to the Ralph M. Brown Act and the compliance requirements for cities, school boards and subordinate committees. Our attorneys routinely advise clients on Brown Act compliance and agenda requirements. Moreover, our attorneys hold board member and council member trainings for clients whenever necessary.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Leal ▪ Trejo renders advice to public officials regarding potential and actual conflicts of interest. In addition, we are experienced in matters related to the Political Reform Act and regulations promulgated by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

ELECTION LAW

Our attorneys have extensive experience in a variety of election-related matters, including municipal elections, referenda, and initiatives.

EMPLOYMENT LABOR LAW

The firm has extensive experience in employment matters, including public sector labor negotiations, the defense of wrongful termination, sexual harassment and discrimination actions, as well as wage and hour claims and the preparation and review of personnel policies and employee handbooks. We also provide in-service training for management and employees in avoiding sexual harassment and provide advice and counsel on ongoing personnel matters. Our attorneys are coalition-builders because we work with all parties involved to ensure that a fair consensus is reached during such circumstances.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND LITIGATION

In its representation of public agencies for over a decade, Leal ▪ Trejo, APC, has significant experience in handling environmental matters and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as well as issues arising from the enforcement of Federal and State Superfund laws and from local laws dealing with contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks. The Firm has expertise in the oversight and management of both district and project compliance regulations and has vast experience in the inter-agency dynamics that surround environmental compliance in California.

PUBLIC WORKS/CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT MATTERS

Attorneys from Leal ▪ Trejo possess the experience to aid the City with all facets of construction contracting and public works matters, including negotiating and drafting construction contracts for public entities, and the litigation of construction defect cases, as well as delay, disruption, and acceleration claims. Having represented cities and school districts, the Firm prides itself on possessing the insight and experience to handle the challenges of public entity construction projects. Moreover, our attorneys are experienced with all aspects of the competitive bid process for public works contracts.

PUBLIC ENTITY DEFENSE

The firm has extensive experience in the defense of governmental tort liability claims, including defending civil rights actions (42 U.S.C. (1983), personal injury defense, common carrier accident cases, and environmental tort defense.
Leal ▪ Trejo has a knowledgeable, experienced litigation team that handles all aspects of preparing cases for trial, particularly on behalf of public agencies.

Leal ▪ Trejo’s experience includes handling all phases of commercial and municipal litigation in both State and Federal courts. In addition, we have handled complex, multi-district litigation in the areas of banking, civil rights, construction, professional liability, insurance coverage, and employment and business disputes.

Our litigation team handles claims under the Tort Claims Act, provides advice on requests for information under the California Public Records Act, and counsels public entities regarding statutory and administrative regulations and procedures. Moreover, our litigation team is capable of preparing discovery and conducting investigations.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Leal ▪ Trejo has successfully obtained a court-ordered “gang injunction” prohibiting specified activities by members of a local gang within a predetermined geographic area.

CODE ENFORCEMENT AND CITY PROSECUTOR

The firm has considerable experience in the area of code enforcement and city prosecution. We are familiar with the interplay between code enforcement and the many areas of city administration and adhere to the principle that code enforcement policies should be based upon input from the City Council and staff concerning enforcement priorities.

REAL ESTATE AND CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS

Leal ▪ Trejo has many years of experience in complex corporate and real estate transactions, including the sale and purchase of commercial properties, the negotiation and preparation of ground leases and franchise agreements, real estate leases and joint venture agreements, and the formation of corporations and limited liability companies.

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Leal ▪ Trejo is affiliated with the Legislative Advocacy Group, a full service lobbying firm registered with the California Secretary of State. As such, we have a developed legislative advocacy practice with expertise in the representation of private and public entities including municipalities, healthcare providers, school districts, water districts, and regional and state agencies. Lobbying services include identifying legislative priorities and developing a persuasive advocacy plan; drafting proposed legislation; and preparing clients to present policy positions before various California Legislative Standing and Select Committees.