Areas of Law Practice
With over twenty years of legal experience, Jennifer McGrath has created a unique law practice specializing in all areas of California government law, land use, permits, licensing, regulatory compliance, citations, administrative hearings, litigation, cannabis, hemp, and more.
Government Law
Government law (or public law) is a broad area of law practice that deals with the legal framework for local cities and counties, state and federal entities, drafting ordinances and legislation, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals in their interactions with state and local government entities. The operations of local cities and counties is governed by municipal law which has a very direct and immediate impact on citizens and their daily lives. Several new laws taking effect in 2026 significantly impact California cities and counties, particularly in the areas of housing and homelessness, public safety and law enforcement, municipal operations and governance, and election administration. An experienced attorney can provide legal representation to ensure a positive interaction, compliance, due process and fairness.
Land Use Law
California’s land use law is a dynamic and complex system that delegates most day-to-day planning decisions to local governments while mandating adherence to a robust framework of statewide laws and policies aimed at comprehensive planning, environmental protection, and addressing critical issues. The system balances local control with state mandates through a process oriented legal structure based on the government’s “police power” to protect public health, safety, and welfare. An experienced attorney can help guide clients through the land use process.
Permit Law
California permit law is a complex system of regulations, primarily managed at the state and local levels, covering key areas such as environmental protection, construction and development, and business operations. The specific permits required depend on the nature of the activity or project. Legal advice is helpful in navigating California’s complex permit laws.
Licensing
California’s licensing laws are a comprehensive system managed by various state and local agencies, designed to regulate a wide array of businesses, professions, and activities to protect public health and safety. California does not have a single statewide general business license; instead, requirements vary significantly based on industry, location, and activity. Navigating California’s complex licensing landscape often requires legal advice to help businesses identify relevant local, state, and federal requirements, as well as representation in administrative hearings when challenging disciplinary action or license revocation.
Regulatory Compliance
Operating a business in California involves navigating some of the nation’s most comprehensive and dynamic regulatory requirements. Regulatory compliance is crucial not only for legal operation but also for avoiding significant penalties, including fines, interest, and the potential loss of business licensing. Navigating California’s complex regulatory landscape often requires legal advice to help businesses identify relevant local, state, and federal regulations and ensure compliance.
Administrative Citations
In California, an administrative citation is a non-judicial enforcement tool used by state and local agencies to enforce compliance with their respective codes and regulations, such as municipal, building, health, safety, and professional licensing codes. Citations are designed to provide a quicker, less expensive alternative to criminal prosecution or civil litigation and are generally governed by California administrative law. Legal counsel is critical to make sure citations are justified, challenge citations when appropriate, file appeals, represent parties in administrative hearings, and initiate litigation including a writ of mandate.
Administrative Law
In California, administrative law governs actions by state and local government agencies, including the issuance of administrative citations for municipal code or regulation violations, disciplinary action with respect to business and professional licensing for regulatory violations, and the procedures for administrative hearings to contest these actions. These processes provide an alternative to criminal court, ensuring due process while maintaining compliance with regulations. Navigating administrative law and hearings without experienced legal counsel can be detrimental. An attorney experienced in administrative law can help ensure all procedural rules are followed, evidence is properly presented, and legal arguments are documented for potential appeals.
Litigation
Litigation in California is a formal process for resolving non-criminal legal disputes in the Superior Courts, the state’s trial courts. Governed primarily by the California Code of Civil Procedure and local court rules, the process is structured into several key stages, with a strong emphasis on settlement before trial. Legal representation is critical at all stages of litigation.
Cannabis Law & Licensing
Cannabis is a highly regulated industry. California cannabis law is an evolving field with state and local cannabis laws and regulations changing frequently. Businesses require legal counsel at all stages from setting up the business, leases, zoning, getting through the local land use process including conditional use permits and development agreements, obtaining state and local cannabis licensing and permits, appealing license/permit denials or discipline, and staying compliant with state and local laws and regulations. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.
Hemp Law & Licensing
Hemp law encompasses federal, state and local laws and regulations. In California, cannabis and hemp are currently regulated in separate supply chains although recent legislation was enacted regulating intoxicating hemp products and integrating them into the state’s cannabis regulatory framework. Hemp laws and regulations change frequently and legal counsel is necessary to stay compliant with state and local laws and regulations.
Contact us by phone or email to learn more about how we can help.