Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) Partner Jim Ross and Associate Lisa Sharkey represented the firm at the County Counsels’ Association of California’s Public Works Conference on September 18, connecting with county counsels across California and sharing timely insights on engagement challenges facing local government.
In their session titled “First Amendment Audits and Other Citizen Engagement in County Offices and on Job Sites,” Jim and Lisa addressed the continuing trend of First Amendment audits, discussed different types of public participation that county officials may encounter in work environments and provided guidance on balancing constitutional rights, public safety concerns and operational efficiency.
“Understanding how to handle First Amendment audits and other public interactions is crucial for managing both constitutional compliance and effective operations,” said Jim. “We’re excited to share the firm’s intellectual expertise and practical solutions with familiar faces in the county counsel space.”
Jim, a former Shasta County counsel, has served in county counsel offices for over 26 years, most recently as interim county counsel for Mendocino County. His practice focuses on general government agency advice, affirmative litigation, land use, public works, elections and litigation oversight and management.
A seasoned trial attorney with over 10 years of experience in criminal prosecution across multiple jurisdictions, Lisa has handled hundreds of cases, playing an instrumental role in every phase of litigation, from pretrial motions and hearings to witness interviews, coordinating law enforcement investigations and handling post-conviction and appellate matters.
RPLG’s participation in the conference reinforces the firm’s commitment to helping public agencies address emerging legal challenges in an evolving civic landscape.
“Counties serve diverse communities with varying expectations about government transparency and access,” said Founding Partner Jon Holtzman. “By preparing county counsels to manage these interactions, RPLG helps ensure that rights are respected and operations are safe, stable and efficient.”
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.