Woodruff & Smart, APC, News
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Woodruff Obtains Trial Court Victory for South Coast Air Quality Management District
Woodruff & Smart attorneys Bradley R. Hogin and Ricia R. Hager successfully defended the South Coast Air Quality Management District against a challenge to the Air District’s cooperative agreement with the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. In a decision filed on September 28, 2026, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Joseph Lipner denied…
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Woodruff Successfully Defends Inland Empire Utilities Agency in Recycled Water Rights Dispute
Woodruff & Smart attorneys Bradley R. Hogin and Ricia R. Hager successfully defended Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) in a lawsuit brought by the Cities of Ontario, Chino, and Montclair over recycled water rights under an expired regional sewage service contract. The cities argued that their contractual right of first purchase of recycled water survived…
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Welcome Andriy Pazuniak
Woodruff & Smart, APC, is pleased to announce that Andriy Pazuniak has joined the Firm as Senior Counsel in its municipal law practice group. Mr. Pazuniak advises cities, special districts, and other public agencies on governmental and regulatory activities, including contracts and environmental compliance. Mr. Pazuniak brings extensive experience representing public agencies and private entities in land…
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Welcome Jason Luebbers
We are pleased to announce that Jason Luebbers has joined Woodruff & Smart, APC, as Senior Counsel in our Public Law Department and Transportation Practice Group. Jason brings a wealth of experience in public transportation and complex regulatory matters, at both the state and federal level. With a strong background advising public transit agencies on…
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Congratulations to Gary Weisberg — Super Lawyer in Eminent Domain
Super Lawyer for 5 Consecutive Years Woodruff & Smart, APC, is proud to announce that Gary Weisberg has been selected to the 2026 Super Lawyers list in the category of Eminent Domain, marking his fifth consecutive year earning this distinguished honor. The Super Lawyers designation is awarded to no more than five percent of attorneys in each state…
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Litigation Victory
Woodruff Secures Victories for State of California in COVID‑19 Eviction Moratorium Litigation Across Federal and State Courts Woodruff attorneys secure dismissals across four related actions challenging pandemic-era eviction protections. Gary C. Weisberg and Michael L. D’Angelo, retained by the State Attorney General’s Office, secured favorable outcomes for the State of California in a series of…
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Woodruff Defeats Amalgamated Transit Union’s Claim That At-will Supervisor Who Returned to Bargaining Unit Position After Seven Years Retained Property Rights Under Memorandum of Understanding
Amalgamated Transit Union brought a grievance when a former supervisor (who returned to the Coach Operator bargaining unit after being demoted) was terminated without first affording the grievant due process. Further, ATU claimed that the employer did not have just cause to terminate. ATU relied on provisions in the MOU relating to definitions of seniority…
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New Shareholders
Woodruff & Smart, APC, is pleased to announce the elevation of Michael S. Daudt and Michael C. Valdez to the rank of Shareholder within the firm. This distinction reflects years of exceptional dedication, outstanding client service, and a steadfast commitment to the values that define Woodruff & Smart, APC. Woodruff & Smart, APC, extends its warmest congratulations to Michael…
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Woodruff Obtains Ninth Circuit Win for OCTA
In a ruling issued on March 13, 2024, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Southern California Gas and Southern California Edison must bear the cost for relocating their facilities to make way for OCTA’s Streetcar Project. OCTA agreed to advance the cost of relocations, approximately $14 million, so that there would be no…
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Woodruff Obtains Ninth Circuit Win for City of Beverly Hills
In Yagman v. Wunderlich, et al., Plaintiff, Stephen Yagman, a well-known civil rights attorney, representing himself, sued the City based on a $1,000 fine he received for parking in a disabled spot without properly displaying a DMV-issued placard. He claimed this fine was excessive and filed suit in federal court asserting nine constitutional claims under 42…