Board Governance: Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Overview

AALRR attorneys render advice and consultation to assist clients in all aspects of preparing for, conducting, and managing public meetings of their governing legislative bodies. Such services include assistance relative to notice and agenda requirements; regular, special, and emergency meeting legal requirements; assistance in preparation for governing board and committee meetings; and address issues arising during meetings, including questions regarding rules of parliamentary procedure, public comments, conflicts of interest, closed sessions, quorum and voting requirements, and related meeting matters. When desired by our clients, we attend their legislative body meetings, whether in-person or remotely, prepared to assist in any needs that may arise during such meetings.

We provide legal interpretations, advice, training, and identification and resolution of potential conflicts of interest for governing board members and staff under State laws such as the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Political Reform Act, California Government Code Section 1090 et seq., common law conflict and bias issues, gift, travel, loan restrictions, incompatible offices and activities proscriptions, and ethics training. When needed, we represent our clients in litigating complex provisions of the California Fair Political Practices Act and similar state regulations. We provide legal interpretations, advice, and training to boards, administrators, and governing board staff, working proactively to reduce exposure to challenges under these laws.

AALRR provides on-going assistance in complying with public records requirements, including the California Public Records Act (CPRA), and similar laws in other states, and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). We provide advice regarding responses to requests made pursuant to such statutes, provide tutorials on complying with laws regarding the maintenance of electronic records and documents, and advise our clients with respect to preparing and maintaining records retention policies and good public agency practice. We also assist with code enforcement matters, including compliance with administrative procedures and the filing of actions to carry out administrative rules and regulations.

Beyond addressing immediate issues, AALRR helps governing boards strengthen their governance practices over time through ongoing counseling, board education, and proactive policy development. Our goal is to support governing boards in fulfilling their oversight role with confidence and foresight, enabling constructive governance that supports strategic objectives while meeting the highest standards of legal and ethical responsibility.