Founded by two deputy city attorneys, Moscone Emblidge & Rubens is now one of the leading law firms in California for public entities needing outside counsel for difficult legal issues.
Public Entity Litigation and Defense
We represent public entities in all manners of litigation, from the routine lawsuits that entities face every day, to some of California’s most important public policy cases. For example, we have litigated objections to the California redistricting process, fought to uphold state and local laws extending benefits to the LGBT community, and successfully defended California’s implementation of federal affirmative action regulations. We have also defended local enactment and implementation of civil rights laws, firearms restrictions, disabled access laws, railroad regulations, anti-graffiti laws, and open-meeting laws. We have defended against challenges to county welfare, shelter, and general assistance programs, and have successfully fought off lawsuits attacking local affirmative action programs. And we have leveraged our broad experience in business and construction litigation to defend cities and counties across California against employee lawsuits, contract and trade-secret claims, and delay and payment claims from building contractors.
Drafting Legislation
As advisors to city councils and county boards of supervisors, we have helped to draft laws governing taxation of local businesses, the establishment of special use districts, and the creation of public/private partnerships. We have also helped to prepare rules regarding government contracting and regulations covering firearms and firearm sales.
Special Investigations and Proceedings
Public entities have consistently turned to our firm’s unique expertise for guidance in dealing with unusual, arcane, or sensitive matters. For example, in 2012, we served as legal counsel advising the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on rules and procedures for conducting the removal proceedings of the Sheriff—the first such trial held in nearly a century. And in 2016, we were appointed as general counsel for the Santa Clara County Blue Ribbon Commission investigating abuse of jail inmates, during which our attorneys interviewed hundreds of inmates, family members, and jail guards, and prepared comprehensive findings that are being used to reform and update Santa Clara County’s jail system.
