Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) Partner Rubin E. Cruse, Jr. and Renne Public Management Group Consultant Dave Winnacker represented the firm at the County Counsels’ Association of California’s Annual Meeting, where they delivered separate presentations on the complex dynamics of (1) providing independent counsel for elected officials and (2) wildfire risk management.
In Rubin’s session titled “I Want My Own Lawyer: Providing Independent Counsel for Elected Officials,” he explored the challenging scenarios county counsels face when elected officials request separate legal representation at county expense, examining the ethical considerations, practical implications and strategies for managing these sensitive situations.
With more than two decades of experience in public sector law, including 24 years with the Shasta County Counsel’s office and twelve years as Shasta County Counsel, Rubin brings extensive expertise in governance issues, ethics compliance and other complex legal challenges facing public agencies. His practice focuses on helping public entities navigate the intersection of legal requirements and practical governance needs.
Dave’s presentation focused on wildland initiated urban fire mitigation, where he outlined the background and parts of wildland initiated urban fire losses. His session examined how the risk of these fires can be mitigated and measured, providing county counsels with essential knowledge for addressing one of California’s most pressing public safety and legal challenges.
Dave brings extensive experience to wildfire risk management, having spent 21 years in the fire service in Fresno City, Alameda County and as chief of the Moraga-Orinda Fire District from 2017–2024, with his practice at RPMG providing actionable wildfire prevention and suppression solutions for local governments.
“Both Rubin and Dave bring invaluable expertise to the County Counsels’ Association,” said Founding Partner Jon Holtzman. “Rubin’s presentation helps county counsels understand how to protect both their clients and the public’s interest in complex ethical situations, while Dave’s extensive fire service background and cutting-edge work in wildfire risk assessment provides critical insights for counties facing increasing wildfire threats, adding to all the work we do with our Advanced Wildfire Risk Reduction practice.”
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.