In appellate courts, a special combination of skills, knowledge, and experience is required to direct a case to a successful conclusion. Our attorneys have represented government clients at every stage of state and federal appeals, including before the United States Supreme Court and the California Supreme Court. Our firm possesses the highly developed research skills and the superior writing abilities required for this critically important practice area.

We are vigorous appellate advocates. We provide strategic counseling and a fresh examination of the client’s litigation, and work collaboratively with trial counsel to ensure a smooth transition from the trial court to the appellate court.

First Amendment & Other Constitutional Claims

Our attorneys have successfully briefed and argued appeals involving First Amendment and other constitutional claims, disputes over the proper interpretation of state and local laws, administrative decisions, and the relative constitutional authority of the local, state and federal government. In addition, our attorneys are frequently retained to file amici curiae or “friends-of-the-court” briefs in appeals involving important local government issues.

Public Officials — Writs of Mandate

Our attorneys are also highly experienced in representing public officials in writs of mandate—actions seeking to compel public officials to take a specified course of action. Our attorneys have successfully and consistently advanced the principle that local officials—not the courts—have the authority and discretion to make determinations on important matters of public policy.

Published Appellate Victories by RPLG Attorneys for Public Entities in the Last 10 Years

Holding that public entities are not subject to the Private Attorneys General Act or other Labor Code obligations involving meal and rest periods, overtime, payroll records, and waiting time penalties.

Read the full case decision here.

Holding that city did not discriminate on the basis of religion under Title VII when it terminated fire chief.

Read the full case decision here.

Holding that Riverside County was not liable for pension obligations attributable to sheriff deputies’ prior service for the City of Perris.

Read the full case decision here.

Affirming trial court and Second District Court of Appeal decisions that transfer of interests in a trust caused a change of ownership of trust’s real property.

Read the full case decision here.

Affirming trial court’s rejection of taxpayer’s claim that appeals board failed to hold timely hearing decision.

Read the full case decision here.

Holding that County assessment appeals board’s valuation of Paramount Pictures studio lot was supported by adequate findings and vacating substantial attorney fee award against County for deficient findings.

Read the full case decision here.

Holding that San Benito County’s restructuring of retiree health insurance benefits did not impair vested rights.

Read the full case decision here.

Affirming trial court’s rejection of taxpayer’s claim that appeals board failed to hold timely hearing decision.

Read the full case decision here.

Holding that Orange County’s restructuring of retiree health benefit program did not impair vested rights.

Read the full case decision here.

Rejecting taxpayer’s argument that enrollment of $6.3 million assessment a few days early made assessment void.

Read the full case decision here.

Reversing substantial award of attorney’s fees although trial court remanded to appeals board for additional finding.

Read the full case decision here.

Affirming trial court’s rejection of taxpayer’s claim that assessment was untimely where taxpayer failed to comply with reporting requirements.

Read the full case decision here.

Affirming dependency court’s order finding children to be adoptable.

Read the full case decision here.

Affirming trial court holding that taxpayer failed to establish that any other state had acquired tax situs over its aircraft.

Read the full case decision here.

Holding that City of Los Angeles did not impair vested rights when it froze the subsidy contributed by the City to police and firefighter retirees’ insurance premiums.

Read the full case decision here.

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Writs & Appeals In the News