Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) welcomes Senior Counsel Jesse Lad, who will support public agencies and nonprofits throughout California, under the firm’s labor and employment practice group.
“RPLG is thrilled that Jesse is joining us,” said Founding Partner Art Hartinger, who previously worked with Jesse at Meyers Nave. “Jesse is already well-known to RPLG’s attorneys and our clients and is a fantastic addition to our team.”
Across more than 20 years of experience, Jesse has served as lead employment counsel, lead labor counsel and chief labor negotiator for various California public agencies, including the cities of Modesto, Napa, Newark, San Leandro, Union City and Walnut Creek, as well as Delta Diablo Sanitation, East Bay Regional Park District, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, Tenderloin Housing Clinic and West Valley Sanitation District.
His experience includes advising on labor relations, collective bargaining, employee discipline, employee privacy and medical leave matters under both state and federal law. He maintains a strong presence in trial and appellate litigation, arbitrations and administrative hearings, with extensive experience in police termination and impasse resolution.
“I have spent my career representing public agencies on labor and employment matters, and I value the opportunity to support clients as they navigate complex personnel issues,” said Jesse. “Achieving effective outcomes for public agencies requires a collaborative and pragmatic approach that carefully considers both the legal and practical implications.”
Early in his career, Jesse was a key member of the team that conducted the internal affairs investigation for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District in the officer-involved-shooting death of passenger Oscar Grant. This 2009 incident at Fruitvale Station drew intense national scrutiny and remains a landmark case in California regarding police oversight and internal investigations.
He also served as the key personnel advisor to one of the primary agencies providing public safety assistance during the Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crash at San Francisco International Airport. This 2013 tragedy involved a complex emergency response and a rigorous multi-agency investigation into the crash-landing of the Boeing 777.
In his new role, Jesse will advise public agency clients on a full range of labor and employment matters including day-to-day personnel issues, labor relations and complex employment matters.
“The depth of expertise in the attorneys at RPLG is unmatched,” said Jesse. “I’m excited to work alongside such a talented group of people.”
During their mutual time at Meyers Nave, Art served as chair of the firm’s labor and employment practice area while Jesse served as senior counsel. They practiced together for 10 years.
“I am pleased to be working with Jesse again. He is not just a great lawyer, but a great person,” continued Art. “He has handled some of the toughest matters in labor law with judgment and steadiness, and his addition further deepens our bench serving public agencies throughout California.”
Jesse holds a B.A. from the University of Iowa and a J.D. from Marquette University Law School.
RPLG practices throughout California, advising and advocating for public agencies and nonprofits, providing courageous, creative and responsive solutions.