October 15, 2026
- University of San Diego School of Law, JD, 1983
- University of Michigan, BA
Deborah J.
Fox
Managing Principal
Expertise
Managing Principal Deborah Fox is a veteran litigator sought out for high-stakes and politically-charged cases under intense media scrutiny—driving decisions that shape California’s legal landscape.
Known for her strategic motion practice, sharp instincts, and big-picture thinking, Deborah leads the firm and takes on high-profile crises and complex litigation tied to hot-button, sensitive issues like wildfires, public emergencies, government corruption, housing projects, land use conflicts, and class actions.
Also a recognized authority on civil rights and the First Amendment, she advises and defends government clients across a range of modern constitutional challenges involving elections and ballot measures, political rallies, public access, and other pressing issues of equal protection, due process, and free speech.
Deborah sees litigation before it unfolds. She works creatively to diffuse risks early, shape narratives, target cases for dispositive rulings, and lay the groundwork for victory if trial becomes unavoidable. Clients rely on her guidance to cut through the noise and balance immediate priorities with long-term goals, especially amid high-stakes crises, uncertainty, or groundbreaking challenges with extensive discovery demands.
In the front-page battle over liability for the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow (then California’s largest wildfire), Deborah secured a massive victory in two dispositive rulings blocking Southern California Edison’s unprecedented attempt to offload over $1 billion in liability onto the County of Santa Barbara, marking a watershed moment in public entity wildfire defense. At the onset of COVID-19, Deborah was on the front lines defending counties, cities, and officials in headline-grabbing litigation over shelter-in-place rules, public health orders, and reopening plans. Her victories set critical First Amendment precedents at both district and appellate levels.
Deborah is also tapped for high-stakes commercial negotiations and disputes, representing clients like Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) in critical power supply agreements where the stakes exceed $400 million.
Deborah is admitted to practice in all California state courts and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all U.S. District Courts in California. Outside the courtroom, Deborah develops strategies to help clients solve complex challenges and mitigate risks before they escalate into litigation. She also speaks at respected forums including the International Municipal Lawyers Association, League of California Cities, and County Counsels’ Association of California.
Published Decisions
- City of Coronado v. San Diego Association of Governments (2022) 80 Cal.App.5th 21 – Regional fair share housing.
- Michael Gomez Daly, et al,. v. San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, et al. (2021) 11 Cal.5th 1030 – Quo Warranto/automatic stay on appeal.
- Gish, et al. v. Newsom, et al. (9th Cir. 2021) 987 F.3d 891 – Shelter-in-place, churches.
- Cross Culture Christian Center, et al. v. Newsom, et al. (2020) 445 F.Supp.3d 758 – Shelter-in-place, churches.
- Disbar, et al. v. Newsom, et al. (E.D. Cal. 2020) 508 F. Supp. 3d 747 –Shelter-in-place, restaurants.
- Lamar Central Outdoor, L.L.C. v. City of Los Angeles (2016) 245 Cal.App.4th 610 – Billboards.
- Hagopian v. County of Los Angeles (2014) 214 Cal.App.4th 349 – coastal land use]
- Building a Better Redondo v. City of Redondo Beach (2012) 203 Cal.App.4th 852 – Initiative.
- Hillside Memorial Park Golden State Water; Water Replenishment District (2011) 199 Cal.App.4th 658 – Water law, CEQA.
- Rickley v. County of Los Angeles (9th Cir. 2011) 654 F.3d 960 – Section 1983 attorneys’ fees.
- Zubarau v. City of Palmdale (2011) 192 Cal.App.4th 289 – Regulation of ham radio antennae and federal preemption.
- PR/JSM Rivara v. Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (2009) 180 Cal.App.4th 1475 – Density bonus, CEQA.
- International Church of Foursquare Gospel v. City of San Leandro 632 F.Supp.2d 925 (N.D. Cal. 2008), rev’d. 634 F.3d 1037 (9th Cir. 2011); amended and rehearing denied, 2011 U.S. App. LEXIS 8505 (9th Cir. April 22, 2010); denied 2011 U.S. LEXIS 5458 (Oct. 3, 2011) – RLUIPA.
- NextG Networks of California v. County of Los Angeles (C.D. Ca. 2007) 522 F.Supp. 2d 1240 – Telecommunications provisions.
- Gammoh v. City of La Habra (9th Cir. 2005) 395 F.3d 1114, amended 402 F.3d 875, denied 126 S.Ct. 374 – Adult use.
- Lim v. City of Long Beach (9th Cir. 2000) 217 F.3d 1050, denied (2001) 121 S.Ct. 1189 – Adult use.
- Tily B. v. City of Newport Beach (1999) 69 Cal.App.4th 1 – Adult use.
- City of South El Monte Southern California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (1995) 38 Cal.App.4th 1629, modified 38 Cal.App.4th 1810b – Joint Powers Authority.
- Santa Fe Realty Corp. v. City of Westminster (C.D. Cal. 1995) 906 F.Supp. 1341 – Adult use.
- 3570 East Foothill Boulevard City of Pasadena (C.D. Cal. 1995) 912 F.Supp. 1257, aff’d. (9th Cir. 1996) 99 F.3d 1147 – Adult use.
- Eldorado Drive City of Mesquite (U.S.D.C. Nev. 1994) 863 F.Supp. 1252 – Immunity to city council.
- Rogers Superior Court (City of Burbank) (1993) 19 Cal.App.4th 469 – Public Records Act.
- Building Industry Association v. Superior Court (City of Oceanside) (1989) 211 Cal.App.3d 277 – Managed growth initiative.
Honors & Awards
- Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, an honor awarded to less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers
- The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning (2027)
- Southern California Super Lawyers List: Constitutional Law, Land Use/Zoning and Environmental, Super Lawyers Magazine (2017–2026)
- AV Preeminent rating, Martindale-Hubbell (2004–2026)
- Top Women Lawyers, Daily Journal (2018, 2021–2025)
- Top 100 Lawyers, Daily Journal, (2020–2021, 2023–2025)
- Most Influential Women Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2021, 2023)
- Top Rated Attorney, Avvo (2021, 2022)
- Top Lawyers in the Pasadena Area, Pasadena Magazine (2021)
- Leaders of Influence: Litigators & Trial Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2020)
- Top Women Attorneys, Los Angeles Business Journal (2020)
- Top Litigators and Trial Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2019)
- 75 Most Influential Women Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2019)
- Bar Register of Top Rated Lawyers: Land Use and Zoning, Martindale-Hubbell (2013–2018)
- Bar Register of Top Rated Lawyers: Women Leaders in the Law, Martindale-Hubbell (2013, 2015)
- Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell (2011)
- Top Women Litigators, Daily Journal (2007, 2009)
Presentations & Publications
- Interview, “Deborah Fox Takes Helm at Meyers Nave” – Attorneys at Law Magazine (April 16, 2026)
- Presenter, “Chiquita Canyon Landfill – When Environmental Externalities of Municipal Waste Heat Up,” California Lawyers Association’s Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite (October 18, 2025)
- Presenter, “Balancing the Public’s First Amendment Rights with Public Employees’ Workplace Rights,” County Counsels’ Association of California Employment Law Study Section, Fall 2025 Meeting (October 2, 2025)
- Presenter, “Board Decorum in the Digital Age: Addressing Zoom Bombing and Other Emerging Issues,” County Counsels’ Association of California’s 2024 Fall Annual Meeting (October 3, 2024)
- Author, “First Amendment Audits,” Los Angeles Lawyer (July/August 2023)
- Presenter, “First Amendment Folies: Balancing Constitutional Rights of Free Speech while Maintaining City Operations,” League of California Cities City Managers Conference (February 9, 2023)
- Presenter, “What to do When First Amendment Auditors Come to Town,” International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) (October 20, 2022)
- Presenter, “First Amendment Audit: Preparedness 101,” California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) and the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) (July 29, 2022)
- Author, “Ninth Circuit Clarifies Mootness Exceptions for Covid-19 Litigation,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (June 17, 2022)
- Author, “Ninth Circuit Offers Some Guidance On When An Elected Official’s Speech Can Form The Basis For A First Amendment Retaliation Claim,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (April 26, 2022)
- Presenter, “Fires, Floods, Landslides, & Debris Flows: Crisis Management Best Practices,” County Counsels’ Association of California (December 3, 2021)
- Presenter, “COVID-19 Litigation: Public Health Orders, and Related Legal Challenges,” International Municipal Lawyers Association (July 19, 2021)
- Author, “Ninth Circuit Upholds COVID-19 Closure and Capacity Limits on Summer Waterpark,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (July 16, 2021)
- Quoted, “California Will Pay Church’s $1.35M Legal Fee,” Daily Journal (May 13, 2021)
- Author, “Gallagher v. Newsom – California’s Third District Court of Appeal Upholds Governor Newsom’s Broad Authority to Issue Executive Orders During the COVID-19 Emergency,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (May 7, 2021)
- Author, “SCOTUS Vacates Second Circuit Decision Finding President Trump’s Prior Twitter Ban Violated the First Amendment,’’ Meyers Nave Client Alert (April, 8, 2021)
- Presenter, “Social Media, First Amendment and Government: What Are the New Rules of Engagement?” San Diego County Bar Association webinar hosted by the Government Law Section (March 24, 2021)
- Author, “One Year In: Recent Shelter In Place Litigation Roundup,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (March 16, 2021)
- Presenter, “COVID-19 Health Orders/Phased Reopening: Litigation and Enforcement,” City Attorney’s Association of San Diego County webinar (February 25, 2021)
- Quoted, “Churches file more motions to further limit governor’s restrictions,” Daily Journal (February 10, 2021)
- Author, “U.S. Supreme Court Overturns California’s Ban on Indoor Religious Services but Leaves Open Singing/Chanting Ban,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (February 9, 2021)
- Quoted, “Victorious churches aim to fight more limits,” Daily Journal (February 9, 2021)
- Author, “Shelter In Place Litigation Update: Ninth Circuit Affirms California’s Temporary Restrictions on Indoor Worship Services While Invalidating 100/200 Person Numerical Caps,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (January 29, 2021)
- Presenter, “COVID-19 Litigation: Public Health Orders, Phased Reopening Plans and Enforcement Challenges,” County Counsels’ Association of California webinar (December 10, 2020)
- Presenter, “Fires, Floods, Landslides, and Debris Flows: Crisis Management Best Practices,” County Counsels’ Association Fall Land Use Conference (December 3, 2020)
- Quoted, “California asks high court not to review church’s appeal of restrictions,” Daily Journal (December 1, 2020)
- Author, “COVID-19 Litigation Update: Federal Judge Dismisses Gym’s Complaint, Finding No Viable Constitutional Challenge to Public Health Orders,” North County Lawyer (December 2020)
- Author, “SCOTUS Blocks New York’s COVID-19 Limits on Houses of Worship: California is Next for SCOTUS with Harvest Rock Church v. Newsom,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (November 30, 2020)
- Author, “Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn Asks SCOTUS to Block New York’s COVID-19 Restrictions on Houses of Worship,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (November 13, 2020)
- Quoted, “Newsom shutdown foes file in state court, argue science,” Daily Journal (November 11, 2020)
- Author, “Federal Judge Dismisses Mega-Gym’s Complaint, Finds No Viable Constitutional Challenge to Public Health Orders,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (November 2, 2020)
- Quoted, “Gym owner can’t challenge closure order for a 5th time, judge says,” Daily Journal (October 28, 2020)
- Presenter, “Social Media and Government: What are the Emerging Rules of Engagement?,” League of California Cities Annual Conference (October 8, 2020)
- Presenter, “COVID-19 Phased Reopening: State and Local Code Enforcement Issues and Related First Amendment Challenges,” League of California Cities COVID-19 webinar series (August 25, 2020)
- Author, “Shelter In Place and Reopening Plan Litigation: SCOTUS Again Rejects Request for Emergency Application on Religious Services Restrictions,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (July 30, 2020)
- Presenter, “How To Tackle First Amendment Issues Amidst Shelter In Place Orders: Navigating A City Attorney’s New Normal,” City Attorneys Association of Los Angeles County webinar (July 23, 2020)
- Author, “Shelter In Place and Reopening Plan Litigation: SCOTUS Rejects Request for Judicial Intervention Regarding California’s Restrictions on Religious Services,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (June 9, 2020)
- Presenter, “Shelter In Place and Reopening Plan Litigation: Tips and Strategies for the New Wave of Legal Challenges Facing Counties and Cities,” Meyers Nave webinar (June 4, 2020)
- Quoted, “Governor has Few Good Options for Punishing Rebel Counties,” Daily Journal (May 15, 2020)
- Quoted, “Tesla’s Legal Fight Might Be Map for Other Businesses,” Daily Journal (May 14, 2020)
- Quoted, “County Doesn’t Enforce Closure as Musk Reopens Tesla,” Daily Journal (May 12, 2020)
- Presenter, “Tips and Defenses to Litigating the First Amendment,” International Municipal Lawyers Association webinar (February, 2020)
- Author, “Social Media and Government: What Are the New Rules of Engagement?”, Public Law Journal, California Lawyers Association (Fall 2019)
- Presenter, “Social Media & Government: What are the Emerging Rules of Engagement?”, International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference (2019)
- Author, “Social Media & Government: What are the Emerging Rules of Engagement?”, International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference published paper (2019)
- Author, “Knight v. Trump: Second Circuit Sets Rules on Blocking Followers from Social Media Accounts,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (August 7, 2019)
- Author, “Rules of Engagement for Today’s Digital Town Square: May Elected Officials Block or Regulate Users on Their Social Media Accounts?”, North County Lawyer (August, 2019)
- Author, “President Trump’s Blocking of Followers on Twitter Found Unconstitutional by Second Circuit,” Meyers Nave Client Alert (July, 2019)
- Quoted, “Theory of shared mudslide liability needs more thought,” Daily Journal (July 18, 2019)
- Presenter, “May Public Officials Block or Regulate Participation on Social Media Accounts?”, Meyers Nave webinar (May, 2019)
- Author, “Coming Soon to a Sidewalk Near You – The Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,” North County Lawyer (February, 2019)
- Presenter, “Social Media and Government: What Are the New Rules of Engagement?,” City Attorneys’ Association of San Diego (2018)
- Presenter, “Time, Place & Manner Update: Strategies for Regulating Solicitation, Billboards and Sidewalk Vending/SB 946,” County Counsels’ Association of California Land Use Fall Conference (2018)
- Author, “What Local Governments Can Do to Avoid a Vending Free-for-All In the Wake of the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,” The Recorder (October 17, 2018)
- Author, “Social Media and Government: What Are the New Rules of Engagement?”, The Recorder (September 27, 2018)
- Presenter, “Women in the Courtroom,” Women Leadership in Law Forum, Daily Journal (2018)
- Presenter, “Social Media Challenges: Applying Existing Case Law to New Technology,” League of California Cities City Attorneys’ Spring Conference (2018)
- Author, “Public Records & Public Forums: How to Apply Established Case Law with Rapidly Emerging Social Media Platforms,” League of California Cities City Attorneys’ Spring Conference (2018)
- Presenter, Reed’s Impact on Solicitation Ordinances: Regulating Content, Conduct or Communication?, League of California Cities Annual Conference (September, 2017)
- Author, Reed’s Impact on Solicitation Ordinances: Regulating Content, Conduct or Communication?, League of California Cities Annual Conference paper (September, 2017)
- Author, Ninth Circuit Addresses Unattended Collection Bins and Upholds Oakland’s Ordinance as Content Neutral, Meyers Nave Client Alert (May, 2017)
- Presenter, Reed v. Gilbert: Some Tips After the Dust has Settled, New Mexico Municipal League (December, 2016)
- Presenter, “Recent Developments in First Amendment Law: Panhandling and Solicitation Regulations,” Greater Inland Empire Municipal Law Association (September, 2016)
- Author, Recent Developments in First Amendment Law: Panhandling and Solicitation Regulations, International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference paper (September, 2016)
- Presenter, Reed‘s Impact on Solicitation Ordinances: Are You Regulating Content, Conduct and/or Communication?, International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference (September, 2016)
- Presenter, Statutory Path to On-Premise Signage, in-house client seminar (February, 2016)
- Presenter, How the Supreme Court has Shaped First Amendment Issues for Local Governments from Signs to Legislative Prayer, International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference (October, 2015)
- Author, Exploring the History and Future of Legislative Prayer in Light of Town of Greece v. Galloway, International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference paper (October, 2015)
- Presenter, California Public Records Act: Recent Case Law and Topical Application, in-house client seminar (September, 2015)
- Presenter, First Amendment – Solicitation/Panhandling, International Municipal Lawyers Association webinar (September, 2015)
Professional & Community Affiliations
- American Bar Association, Member
- The State Bar of California, Member
- Los Angeles County Bar Association, Member & Condemnation and Land Valuation Litigation Committee Member
- Trial Law Institute of the Litigation Counsel of America – Barrister, Order of Veritas, Member
- Diversity Law Institute, Member
- Conference of California Public Utility Counsel, Member
- Association of Women in Energy, Member
- Association of Women in Water, Energy and Environment, Member
- California Community Choice Association, Member
- Judge Pro Tem, Los Angeles Superior Court, Glendale Division
Education
Events
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California Lawyers Association (CLA) Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite® |
Deborah has no past events
Deborah's Case Studies
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Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Enabling Multibillion Dollar Modernizations at LAX and Van Nuys
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County of Santa Barbara — Thomas Fire & Montecito Debris Flow
Unprecedented $1 Billion Victory in Groundbreaking Wildfire Litigation
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Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Bench and Jury Trial Readiness that Keeps Multibillion Dollar Transportation Projects on Track
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Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center
A New Era of Sports and Entertainment: Meyers Nave Keeps the Kings in Sacramento and Delivers the $535M Golden 1 Center
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Deborah's Updates
Announcements
Deborah Fox and Amrit Kulkarni Named to Daily Journal’s 2026 Top 100 Lawyers and Distinguished Counsel
Announcements
Meyers Nave Attorneys Named to the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America
Recognitions
Meyers Nave Attorneys Named to 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Recognitions
Southern California Super Lawyers and Southern California Rising Stars Names Meyers Nave Attorneys to 2025 List
Recognitions
Deborah Fox Named Among the Daily Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers in California for 2024
Announcements
Meyers Nave Secures Second Dispositive Motion for Santa Barbara County in Pivotal Wildfire Case
Recognitions
Deborah Fox named one of Daily Journal’s 2023 “Top 100 Lawyers”
Announcements
Deborah Fox and Amrit Kulkarni Named to Daily Journal’s 2026 Top 100 Lawyers and Distinguished Counsel
Announcements
Meyers Nave Attorneys Named to the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America
Recognitions
Meyers Nave Attorneys Named to 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Proven California Experience
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