The attorneys of Zweiback, Fiset & Zalduendo have over 30 years of experience successfully representing cities, counties, school districts, joint powers authorities, and state agencies, as well as their officials and employees in high-stakes litigation, state and federal investigations, and enforcement actions related to, among other things, bribery and corruption, civil rights violations, cybersecurity and data privacy, whistleblower claims, and discrimination claims.
We understand the unique challenges that public officials and government entities face and the limited resources often available to address the legal issues they must resolve, and we are able to provide efficient and effective counsel and representation to our clients on a cost-effective basis while bringing to the table our team of attorneys’ wide range of experience, including decades of service in the highest levels of government and at the nation’s leading litigation firms.
Public Official & Government Entity Cases We Handle
Our attorneys have worked on behalf of public officials, cities, counties, school districts and other government entities to address a wide range of legal challenges, and we have the experience and skills to assist clients across numerous issues, including the following.
Political Corruption
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing public officials and government entities in political corruption cases, including cities, counties, school districts, agencies, and city and state officials and employees. We understand the unique challenges and reputational risks that those involved in political corruption investigations and prosecutions face, and we strategically tailor our defensive approach to protect our clients’ interests and reputations while minimizing collateral consequences.
Bribery
We provide counsel and representation to public officials and government entities facing potential criminal and civil penalties – in addition to reputational damages – in a variety of legal contexts involving alleged bribery. Our attorneys have the skills necessary to guide clients through proceedings and investigations relating to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other international corruption violations; receiving bribes, kickbacks, and gifts; and other alleged improper transfers of funds, property, or favors in exchange for benefits. We provide all necessary legal services for public officials and government entities to address bribery proceedings, including conducting internal investigations, responding to enforcement actions, and defending against both state and federal prosecutions.
Obstruction of Justice and Civil Rights Violations
Public officials and government entities – including police officers, police departments, district attorney offices, state prosecutors, and other investigative and prosecutorial agencies and officials – have long faced negative consequences and adverse civil and criminal outcomes for alleged violations of the civil rights of individuals. In recent years, the focus on the civil rights liability of public officials and government entities has only increased, and there is tremendous pressure from the media and public to obtain swift redress against those alleged to have violated the civil rights of others. The consequences public officials and government entities face in these circumstances can include criminal charges and convictions, loss of one’s livelihood and reputation, and massive jury awards that can significantly deplete the resources of many cities and counties. Our attorneys have worked on behalf of numerous parties accused of wrongdoing in the public arena – including the former Sheriff of Los Angeles County and a former Los Angeles City Attorney – and we have the experience to effectively and zealously defend our clients in order to protect their freedom, financial interests, and reputation.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
In an increasingly technologically connected world, public officials and government entities face significant cybersecurity and data privacy threats from sources both domestic and international, and, as a result, may face liability for alleged failures to meet compliance requirements and effectively respond to external threats. We are an industry leader in cybersecurity and data privacy legal proceedings, and firm co-founder Michael Zweiback brings unrivaled experience to cybersecurity proceedings having previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office as the Chief of Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, Principal Advisor to the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee in Cyber Crime, and Deputy Chief of the Terrorism and Organized Crime Section. Our attorneys can provide legal counsel and guidance to officials and entities dealing with legal challenges relating to, among other things, data breaches, data loss, ransomware, and privacy law violations.
Whistleblower Claims
Whistleblower claims can threaten the interests and resources of local, state, and federal entities and public officials across a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to: misuse of public resources, self-dealing, kickbacks, retaliation, public safety, discrimination, and harassment. The fallout from a whistleblower claim can be swift and severe for public officials and government entities, and can lead to reputational damage, costly civil lawsuits, and even state and federal criminal investigations and proceedings. Our attorneys have extensive experience both defending against whistleblower claims and can provide expert counsel guidance on proper responses to such claims and aggressive representation in defending against investigations and both civil and criminal proceedings based on whistleblower complaints.
Discrimination and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Claims
Public officials and government entities can face significant civil liability for alleged violations of state and federal discrimination and civil rights laws, including liability for: gender discrimination, racial discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, age discrimination, sexual harassment, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) violation claims, fair housing claims, and related claims. Such claims can threaten the reputation of defendants and result in large jury verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs that strain public resources. Our attorneys provide counsel to public officials and government entities to help address and mitigate litigation risk and robust defense counsel in pursuit of the dismissal of claims and/or the minimization of damages.
Speak with an experienced Public Official & Government Entity Lawyer
The attorneys of Zweiback, Fiset & Zalduendo are dedicated to zealously working on behalf of public official and governmental entity clients in order to powerfully defend their interests, minimize damages and other adverse consequences, and protect their reputations while preserving their resources. Our attorneys creatively and efficiently strategize towards positive resolutions that serve our client’s comprehensive, long-term goals. If you are a public official or work on behalf of a governmental entity facing a litigation proceeding, investigation, or other legal challenge, contact our office to speak with an experienced defense attorney regarding your situation today.
