Law Offices of William D. Ross (now operating as Ross & Schwarz) is a full-service law firm specializing in municipal, land use, and environmental law, with a focus on serving local governments, developers, and property owners across California. Founded in 1984, the firm stands out for its proactive, prevention-oriented approach to legal risk, emphasizing early counsel to avoid costly disputes. With offices in Palo Alto and Los Angeles, the firm leverages over four decades of experience advocating for clients in both the public and private sectors.
The firm’s philosophy centers on building collaborative, long-term relationships with clients such as cities, special districts, joint power authorities, and private developers. Principal attorney William D. Ross brings over 40 years of expertise, including ongoing roles as City Attorney for American Canyon and counsel to multiple fire protection districts statewide. The team’s unique value lies in its ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, drawing from deep experience in environmental compliance, public agency operations, and land use litigation.
Services Offered
- Municipal and Special District Law
- Land Use and Zoning
- Environmental Law and CEQA Compliance
- Real Estate Development
- Regulatory and Administrative Compliance
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Matters
- Public Bidding and Contracting
- Code Enforcement
- Employment and Personnel Law
- Worker’s Compensation
- Labor Relations and Negotiations
- Elections Law
- Public Records Act Compliance
- Brown Act Compliance
- Water Rights and Water Quality Regulations
- Affordable Housing
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Risk Management and Ethics Training
- Government Finance and Special Taxes
- Ordinance and Resolution Preparation
The firm serves clients throughout California, with particular emphasis on representing cities, special districts, and public agencies. Its attorneys are experienced in state and federal court litigation, with a notable record of published cases in areas such as CEQA, land use, and environmental law. The firm also provides counsel on emerging issues, including drought-related executive orders and emergency regulations.
