Renne Public Law Group’s (RPLG) Appellate Practice Group has established itself as a leading advocate for public agencies in appellate courts throughout California and beyond. Led by Partner and Head of Appellate Practice Ryan McGinley-Stempel, the team brings specialized skills essential for navigating complex appellate proceedings at every level, including before the United States Supreme Court.
“Our appellate practice is driven by a passion for public service combined with extensive subject-matter and procedural expertise,” said Ryan. “Our team is dedicated to helping public agencies defend their duly enacted policies for their constituents, protect taxpayer dollars, and provide essential public functions for their communities.”
RPLG’s appellate team has secured numerous significant victories across a broad range of legal areas. In property tax litigation, Of Counsel Michael Slattery and Of Counsel Thomas Kelch have represented Los Angeles County in multiple published opinions, including recent wins in Prang v. Los Angeles County Assessment Appeals Board and Paramount Pictures Corp. v. County of Los Angeles. In employment law, the firm secured a unanimous ruling from the California Supreme Court that public entities are not subject to penalties and fees under the Private Attorneys General Act in Stone v. Alameda Health System, successfully defended the City of Stockton in Hittle v. City of Stockton against claims of religious discrimination, and limited Riverside County’s exposure to retirement liabilities deriving from employees’ prior service for other agencies in Petree v. CalPERS.
Partner Amy Ackerman has authored effective appellate briefs on government law issues, such as public meetings and charter powers. She recently prepared an amicus brief on behalf of the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties in The firm’s attorneys have also prevailed on appeals involving First Amendment claims, land use and labor law throughout California.
For their amicus brief on behalf of the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) and the California State Association of Counties in support of San Francisco’s , Founding Partner Art Hartinger and Ryan received the distinguished Amicus Service Award. Through the Amicus Service Award, IMLA recognizes lawyers who have been actively involved in legal advocacy for and on behalf of local governments and IMLA, and who have performed exemplary work to protect and advance local government interests.
In recognition of their work, RPLG was named a 2024 Best Boutique Law Firm by the Daily Journal, which highlighted the firm’s overall practice, current caseload and growth.
“Our firm’s awards and success highlight not just individual excellence, but our collective commitment to outstanding legal advocacy for our municipal clients,” commented Founding Partner Jon Holtzman. “These honors reflect the depth of expertise across our practice areas and our continued drive to delivering innovative solutions for the public sector.”
For more information about RPLG’s Appellate Practice Group, please visit our website.
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.