Public Agency Law

For decades, PKW Law has been a trusted partner of public agencies throughout California. We regularly serve as both general and special counsel to irrigation districts, joint powers authorities, groundwater sustainability agencies, and other entities.

We counsel clients on the Ralph M. Brown Act open meetings laws, the California Water Code, the Administrative Procedures Act, the Public Records Act, and more. We’re well versed in all areas of law that affect water rights, with a particular interest in agency compliance. Our clients rely on us to handle public records requests, contracts, real estate transactions, and other issues that affect their ability to perform day-to-day tasks. In addition, we provide counsel on issues that will affect the ability of agencies to manage local water resources and help develop planning documents that allow for continued management. 

Public agencies rely on us for: 


  • Compliance with the Brown Act, Wright Act, Water Code, and Administrative Procedures Act

  • Conflicts of interest and incompatible offices

  • Public records requests

  • Drafting and amending contracts regarding real property, personal property, and provision of services

  • Written and oral opinions about client rights, duties, and obligations under statute, contract, or agreement

  • Compliance with Proposition 218

  • Rate structures and increases