Renne Public Law Group’s (RPLG) Litigation practice group has built an exceptional track record defending public agencies in California’s most complex legal battles. Overseen by Partner and Head of Litigation Practice Steve Cikes, the group draws on the expertise of virtually every attorney in the firm to handle high-stakes litigation. With over one hundred collective trials and appearances before every level of the state and federal judicial systems, including the California Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court, RPLG is a leader in public sector litigation.
The firm specializes in impact litigation and defending local governments in key cases where fundamental functions or fiscal sustainability hang in the balance. RPLG attorneys have successfully defended local agencies against challenges involving $1 billion in retiree medical exposure, fraudulent concealment of structural bridge flaws and claims of harassment and discrimination.
“Our team is dedicated to resolving the most technical and challenging disputes that California’s public agencies face,” said Steve. “Whether we are arguing in California or before federal courts, we bring a level of strategic depth and courtroom expertise that allows our clients to navigate litigation with confidence.”
Recent victories demonstrate the depth of the firm’s capabilities. RPLG successfully defended Sonoma County’s civilian oversight agency in the California Court of Appeal, establishing that labor agreements cannot be interpreted to override voter-approved powers. Additionally, the firm secured a significant California Supreme Court decision in Olympic & Georgia Partners LLC v. County of Los Angeles, protecting annual property tax revenue.
While RPLG primarily defends public agencies, the firm also pursues affirmative litigation when public interests are at stake, such as representing Jefferson Elementary School District in federal litigation against Juul Labs, Inc. regarding predatory marketing to minors and handling high-stakes funding cases like City of Fresno v. Scott Turner. The firm also represents private individuals in cases of workplace harm, striving to achieve just results on behalf of their clients.
The litigation practice is rooted in a commitment to serving communities through consistent advocacy and strategic leadership with the team focused on delivering outcomes that strengthen local governments’ abilities to serve their communities. By standing at the forefront of the most significant legal issues facing the state, the firm ensures that the underlying values of local governance are preserved and that the collective interests of the people remain protected.
“Our litigation practice is built on the principle that the communities we serve deserve the highest caliber of legal defense,” said Founding Partner Jon Holtzman. “When a city, county or special district faces an existential legal threat, they need attorneys who know how to win.
RPLG’s litigators are seasoned trial lawyers, including Founding Partners Art Hartinger and Jon, Partner and Head of Affirmative Litigation Jim Ross, Partner and Head of Appellate Practice Ryan McGinley-Stempel, Of Counsel Geoff Spellberg and Steve.
For more information about RPLG’s litigation practice, visit RennePublicLawGroup.com/Litigation.
RPLG practices throughout California, advising and advocating for public agencies and nonprofits, providing courageous, creative and responsive solutions.