Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) is excited to kick off its fifth-annual Public Law Fellowship Program. The cohort will soon immerse themselves in public law thought leadership and learning, with a stellar lineup of public sector and legal professionals. Over two weeks, the Fellowship’s panelists and presenters will address topical issues and challenges facing California communities, local governments and law practice.
The 2024 Fellowship cohort can look forward to in-depth discussions and moderated panels with leaders in their field, from city management to fire districts. This year’s speakers include:
- RPLG Founding Partners, Louise Renne, Jonathan Holtzman and Art Hartinger
- Debra Gill, Renne Public Management Group (RPMG) Consultant and Former Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations at the City of Pleasanton
- Eli Beckman, City of Corte Madera Mayor
- Ryan McGinley-Stempel, RPLG Partner
- Sherri Kaiser, Napa County Chief Deputy County Counsel
- Amy Ackerman, RPLG Partner and Head of Government Section
- Vic Sher, Partner and Co-Founder of Sher Edling LLP
- Phil Fine, Bay Area Air Quality Management District Executive Officer
- Willie Brown, former San Francisco Mayor
- Brian Washington, Marin County Counsel
- Jennifer Henning, County Counsels’ Association Executive Director
- Beth Painter, Napa City Councilmember
- Masa Shiohira, Santa Clara County Lead Deputy County Counsel
- Ardis Graham, City and County of San Francisco Employee Relations Director
- Rocky Lucia, Rains Lucia Stern Founding Principal
- Jake Freitas, RPLG Associate
- Mike Slattery, RPLG Of Counsel
- Michael Cohen, California Deputy Attorney General
- Steve Cikes, RPLG Partner
- David Winnacker, Moraga-Orinda Fire District Chief
- Karen Pinkos, City Manager of the City of El Cerrito
- Dee Williams-Ridley, City Manager of the City of Berkeley
- Pat Martel, former City Manager of Daly City
- Ann Ravel, Commissioner of the Federal Election Commission
- Andrew Shen, RPLG Senior Counsel
- Rubin E. Cruse, Jr., RPLG Of Counsel
- Davis Clark, RPLG Law Clerk
“We are excited and grateful to host our colleagues from local government and the public interest law industry throughout the fifth annual Public Law Fellowship,” said Founding Partner Jon Holtzman. “These sessions ask our fellows challenging questions about real, relevant local government topics where our speakers are able to apply powerful insight. Their knowledge of best practices and lived professional experience will inform the future leaders in our cohort as they go on to serve communities in their careers.”
Speakers Michael Cohen, California Deputy Attorney General, and Jake Freitas, RPLG Associate, are alumni of previous cohorts of the Public Law Fellowship Program.
“I’m excited to return to the Fellowship as an attorney today after attending the program as a law student,” said Jake. “Participating in RPLG’s Fellowship program was an incredibly impactful educational opportunity in terms of appreciating the challenges and positive impact of a career in public law. The Program’s interactive sessions and mentorship allows fellows to dive into public law practically. I look forward to collaborating with the 2024 cohort throughout the discussions we have planned and sharing my input, similar to the guidance I received as an RPLG Fellow.”
The 2024 Renne Public Law Group Public Law Fellowship Program will take place from May 17 to May 31. Learn more about the program here.
RPLG practices throughout California, advising and advocating for public agencies, nonprofit entities, individuals and private entities in need of effective, responsive and creative legal solutions.