Public Law Section of the California Lawyers Association

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Public Law Section of the California Lawyers Association

The Public Law Section

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The Public Law Section of the California State Bar promotes the practice of public law by attorneys employed by public agencies and attorneys in private practice who represent public agencies or those who have dealings with public agencies

10/15/2026

Join us in congratulating Robert C. Fellmeth, our 2026 Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year Award recipient.

From his early work in consumer protection as one of the original “Nader’s Raiders” to founding the Children’s Advocacy Institute, Robert has spent more than 50 years advancing the rights of consumers, children, and communities across California. 🏫

As an educator, advocate, and institution builder, he has also inspired generations of future lawyers to make public service part of their careers.

We look forward to honoring Robert at the 2026 CLA Annual Meeting in San Diego. 🌴

Read more about Robert: https://hubs.la/Q04Bm3bL0

08/10/2026

🎉 Meet our 2026 Future Leaders in Public Law Fellows!

Kristy Aviles (University of San Francisco School of Law) found her calling for public interest work through UC Irvine's Immigrant Rights and Criminal Justice clinics. This summer, she's gaining hands-on courtroom experience as a judicial intern in the San Francisco Superior Court.

Stephanie Flint Loukas (California Western School of Law) came to law school after over a decade teaching English, writing, and literature and earning a PhD in Comparative Studies, and she's already externing full-time for the Southern District of California. She'll be interning at the San Diego City Attorney's Office this fall.

We're proud to invest in the next generation of public law advocates. Congratulations, Kristy and Stephanie!👏 Comment your congrats below! 👇

To learn more about this years fellows and about the Future Leaders Fellowship, visit our website here: https://calawyers.org/section/public-law/fellowship/

07/28/2026

The Public Law Section is in its final week of accepting nominations for two of its most meaningful honors: the Outstanding Achievement in Public Law (OAPL) Award and the Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year Award.

The Section is committed to diversity in its membership and leadership, and encourages nominations that reflect the diversity of California, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Nominations close July 31. Submit here! https://calawyers.org/section/public-law/awards

06/18/2026

Looking back at our 2025 Public Law Award honorees! 👏

💡 Ryan McGinley-Stempel
Recipient, Outstanding Achievement in Public Law Award

💡 Phillip A. Talbert
Recipient, Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year Award

Their dedication, leadership, and service continue to inspire the public law community.

Now it's time to celebrate the next generation of honorees. Submit your nominations for the 2026 Public Law Section Awards by July 31, 2026! https://calawyers.org/section/public-law/awards/

05/05/2026

You've seen the impact. The leadership. The moments that make a difference. Now's your chance to make sure that work doesn't go unrecognized.

We're accepting nominations for the Outstanding Achievement in Public Law (OAPL) Award & the Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year Award. Swipe through to learn more about each. The awardees will be honored at the 2026 CLA Annual Meeting.

If you know a colleague, mentor, or team that's gone above and beyond, celebrate their contributions by submitting a nomination. Shine a light on the people moving California forward: https://calawyers.org/section/public-law/awards/

04/29/2026

If you’re a California law student pursuing an unpaid public agency internship, the Future Leaders in Public Law Fellowship is your opportunity to gain financial support, mentorship, and professional visibility, all while building your career in public service.

🌀 Receive funding for your internship
🌀 Talk to mentors who are experienced public law attorneys
🌀 A chance to be published and grow your network

Apply by April 30: https://calawyers.org/section/public-law/fellowship/

04/08/2026

For many law students, the biggest challenge isn't interest in their field of study; it's finding a clear path forward.

Through the Future Leaders in Public Law Fellowship, last year's fellow, Pendar Salemi, found that clarity by gaining direct exposure to mentors and our professional networks.

If you're a law student pursuing public service, this program offers the support and access you're looking for.

🔗Applications are due April 30, 2026. Find more information here: https://calawyers.org/section/public-law/fellowship/

03/10/2026

We are thrilled to kick off the Inaugural Public Law Conference with an evening dedicated to community and connection. Looking to reconnect with longtime colleagues or meet the new voices shaping our field? This reception is the place to be.

Join us for light refreshments and lively conversation as we set the stage for two days of deep insight and academic dialogue. Thank you to our sponsor, Renne Public Law Group!

March 19 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

See you there! https://calawyers.org/public-law-conference/

03/06/2026

As agencies adopt AI, drones, and advanced surveillance, the definition of a "public record" is evolving faster than ever. Join us at Mission Bay Resort in San Diego to learn about the intersection of tech and transparency.

Panel 3: How Agency Technology Creates Public Records & What to Do With Them | 1.25 Hours MCLE Credit available

Our expert panelists will break down:
How to identify and track records generated by AI and drones
What is (and isn’t) exempt from disclosure
How external AI is changing the way the public requests information
Meet the Speakers:

Kathryn Romo | Kathryn Romo is an attorney with Best Best & Krieger’s Advanced Records Center (ARC), where she combines her legal experience with the firm’s cutting-edge technology to provide efficient and effective support for public records and e-Discovery requests.

Christine Wood | Partner, Best Best & Krieger, LLP | Christine Wood is a partner and member of Best Best & Krieger LLP's (BBK) Special Districts practice group and has investigated and reported on allegations involving high-level appointed and elected officials over the course of her career.

David Gallegos | Deputy County Counsel, Solano County

Register for Day 1 Here: https://calawyers.org/public-law-conference/

03/03/2026

With SB 707 now in effect, California public agencies are facing the most significant updates to open-meeting laws in decades. Hear from our fantastic panel at the Inaugural Public Law Conference for an inside look into implementation issues that impact your daily operations.

Panel 2: SB 707 Implementation Issues

Meet the Panel:
Amy Ackerman | Partner, Renne Public Law Group | Amy is an experienced municipal and appellate law attorney who advises cities, counties, special districts, and nonprofit organizations. She serves on the executive committee of the Public Law Section of the California Lawyers Association and on the Brown Act Committee of the League of California Cities.

Kerry Bigelow | City Clerk, City of Chula Vista | Kerry joined the City of Chula Vista in 2004 after several years of service in local government as a volunteer and commissioner, and is also the Legislative Director for the California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA).

Megan McClurg | Assistant City Attorney, City of Oceanside | Megan has been practicing law since 2003, and is experienced in both civil litigation and advisory matters. Megan currently provides legal advice and assistance to multiple City departments and divisions, including the City Clerk, Information Technology, Human Resources, Housing and Neighborhood Services, Parks and Recreation, and more.

🔗Registration Link: https://calawyers.org/public-law-conference/

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http://www.calawyers.org/Public

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