Trusted Counsel for Public Agencies
Dedicated to Serving the Public Interest
Woodruff & Smart, APC, is a full-service local government law firm serving as general counsel and special counsel to cities, counties, and special districts throughout Southern California.
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Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
Established 1976 · Costa Mesa, California
Since 1976, Woodruff & Smart, APC, has provided expert advice and representation to
public agencies across Southern California. We are proud to mark five decades of dedicated service to our clients and communities.
Woodruff & Smart, APC
Legal Counsel Trusted by Public Agencies in Southern California for Over Fifty Years
Southern California public entities face complex regulations, strict budgets, and intense public scrutiny. Traditional legal frameworks struggle to keep pace with rapid state mandates and evolving civic demands. Managing these institutional pressures requires sophisticated, proactive counsel to mitigate systemic risk.
Woodruff & Smart, APC, brings decades of combined experience directly handling the distinct challenges faced by Southern California cities, special districts, and transportation authorities. Partnering with us secures a dedicated ally committed to maximizing public impact, safeguarding agency integrity, and building lasting community trust.
What We Do
Practice Areas
Woodruff & Smart, APC, is a full-service local government law firm. Since 1976, we have served as general counsel and special counsel to cities, counties, and special districts throughout Southern California. We also represent private clients on a diverse range of matters. We provide expert advice and representation in the following practice areas:
Civil Rights
Defense of public entities in civil rights litigation and Section 1983 claims.
Code Enforcement
Assisting agencies with
municipal code compliance and enforcement actions.
Construction
Public works contracts,
disputes, and construction
defect matters.
Eminent Domain
Condemnation proceedings and property acquisition for public projects.
Environmental
CEQA compliance,
environmental review, and
regulatory matters.
Land Use
Zoning, planning, development agreements, and entitlement issues.
Labor & Employment
Public sector employment law, negotiations, and personnel matters.
Public Law
Municipal law, city attorney
services, and government
operations.
Tort Liability
Defense of public agencies in personal injury and liability claims.
Transportation
Transit authority representation and transportation infrastructure projects.
Woodruff & Smart, APC, News
Recent Victories
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Litigation Victory
Read More →: Litigation Victory -
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
Read More →: 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 -
Woodruff Obtains Ninth Circuit Win for OCTA
Read More →: Woodruff Obtains Ninth Circuit Win for OCTA
Partner With Us
Our experienced attorneys are ready to assist your agency with the complex legal challenges facing California’s public sector.