Government Relations

As one of the largest law firms in California's capital city, McDonough Holland & Allen PC has developed an expertise in administrative agency law and in dealing with the state and federal governments. The firm represents many national and international corporations in their dealings with governmental agencies, both in adjudicatory and legislative/rulemaking contexts as well as in day-to-day regulatory compliance. In addition, McDonough represents several state agencies as special counsel. The firm's administrative agency practice is not solely state-oriented, however. A number of the firm's attorneys previously practiced with local and federal government agencies, and their experience is reflected in the breadth of the firm's practice. Attorneys in the firm's Redevelopment, Public Law and Land Use Section represent numerous local agencies throughout the state.

The firm also represents clients before local agencies on issues ranging from land development to personnel matters. The issues presented by administrative agency actions are as varied as the functions of the agencies. Public contract cases can involve anything from bidding rules and minority hiring issues to engineering and environmental issues. Enforcement actions often deal with the discrete compliance standards established for each activity subject to licensure or regulation. Effective representation requires the breadth of knowledge our attorneys have.

Litigating

Litigating with government agencies is unlike litigating with other adversaries. Whether the action falls under the Tort Claims Act or mandamus, special rules apply because a governmental entity is involved. Although private parties may generally do anything which is not proscribed by law, government agencies generally may only do what is prescribed by law. Successful litigation in this arena depends upon a knowledge of administrative procedures, the rulemaking process, constitutional constraints which bind agencies, and budgetary controls.

Lobbying

Occasionally, legislative direction is needed to resolve a client's dilemma. MHA is a registered lobbying firm under the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The firm's attorneys draft and explain bill and regulation language, and actively coordinate with legislators and other lobbyists to address issues of concern to the firm's clients. Attorneys in the firm have practiced before scores of agencies.

State Agencies Include

The Air Resources Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, Board of Control, Board of Registered Nursing, California Coastal Commission, California Energy Commission, California Student Aid Commission, Contractors State License Board, Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Department of Corporations, Department of Corrections, Department of Developmental Services, Department of General Services, Department of Health Services, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Savings and Loan, Department of Social Services, Employment Development Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Fair Political Practices Commission, Fish and Game Commission, Department of Fish and Game, Franchise Tax Board, Medical Board of California, New Motor Vehicle Board, Office of Administrative Law, Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, OSHA, Public Utilities Commission, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, State Board of Education, State Board of Equalization, State Building Standards Commission, State Lands Commission, State Personnel Board, California State Lottery, State Public Works Arbitration Board, State Water Resources Control Board, Toxic Substances Control Department, Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, and Workers Compensation Appeals Board.

Federal Agencies Include

Division of Labor Standards, Federal Trade Commission, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and OSHA.

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Government Relations Group

Government Relations Attorneys