Season’s Greetings from Meyers Nave

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As we reflect upon the year’s achievements and look ahead to a bright new year, we are thankful to serve our incredible clients and to work with our wonderful colleagues. We wish everyone health & happiness this holiday season and all year long!

As a gesture of our appreciation, we are pleased to support the following food banks located throughout California in the communities that we serve and call home:

  • Alameda County Community Food Bank
  • Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
  • San Diego Food Bank
  • Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Our attorneys and staff are always available should you need us.

Happy New Year!

1L Diversity Fellowship Program – How to Apply

Please submit the following items via the application process outlined below:

  1. Current resume and complete undergraduate transcript.
  2. Copy of grades from the first semester of law school (if grades are not available at the time of application, please state so and email first semester law grades as soon as they are available).
  3. Legal writing sample, unedited by a third party.
  4. Personal statement (750-1,000 words) in narrative form, including:
    • Why do you want to become an attorney?
    • Why do you want to be a Meyers Nave Diversity Fellow?
    • Which Meyers Nave office (Oakland or San Diego) would you like to spend your 10-week summer in?
    • What are your eligibility qualifications based on the required criteria?
    • Significant academic achievements, personal accomplishments and life experiences that have shaped your values and professional goals. Information may include, but is not limited to, experiences and reflections based on:
      • First generation immigrant or child of immigrants
      • English as a second language
      • First in family to go to college
      • Child of a single parent or raised by grandparents
      • Socioeconomically disadvantaged background
      • Living with a disability
      • Supporting self/family through college
      • Working full time/part time while in college or law school
      • Race, gender, ethnicity and/or LGBTQIA+
      • Demonstrable experience supporting diversity, equity and/or inclusion initiatives

Application Process

  • The application period is December 1st through December 31st.
  • Completed applications must be emailed to diversity@meyersnave.com.
  • Interviews will be conducted by video.
  • The recipients of the 1L Diversity Fellowship Program will be notified by March 1st.

California Minimum Wage Increases for all Employers Regardless of Size

Effective January 1, 2023, the California minimum wage will increase to $15.50 per hour for all employers regardless of size. Although the state minimum wage for small employers (25 or less employees) was scheduled to increase to only $15 per hour to match the rate that has been in effect for larger employers, a provision of the statute requires the annual inflation adjustment to kick in early if the rate of inflation tops 7 percent. (Cal. Lab. Code § 1182.12(c)(3)(B).) Because the Department of Finance declared that the inflation rate from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 increased by 7.9 percent, California’s minimum wage rate will increase by 3.5 percent to $15.50.

Employers should note that the state’s minimum wage increase also affects the salaries of exempt employees due to the requirement that exempt employees earn no less than two times the state’s (not local) minimum wage for full-time work. This means that, beginning January 1, 2023, exempt employees in California must earn an annual salary of no less than $64,480.

Employers must also consider local minimum wage increases imposed by cities or counties and pay employees the hourly rate that provides the greatest benefit to employees. For example, effective January 1, 2023, the City of San Jose will increase its minimum wage to $17 per hour, and the City of San Diego’s minimum wage will increase to $16.30 per hour. Therefore, employers operating within these cities must pay employees according to the higher local minimum wage.

Other local jurisdictions have implemented minimum wage increases for 2023; it is therefore important for employers to check the minimum wage requirement in the locations where their employees are working. The chart reflects some changes to local minimum wage rates in California’s major cities.

** Please be advised, that some minimum wage are subject to change. This chart is not intended to capture every city with minimum wage ordinances within California. This chart is current as of Dec. 1, 2022.**
ǂ Applies to hotels with 60 or more rooms.

 

As always, please reach out to your employment counsel at Meyers Nave if you have any questions, concerns, needs for clarification or if you would like further assistance.

U.S. Supreme Court Reinstates Trump-Era Regulations for Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification

Rule Limits States and Tribal Objections to Certain Projects (At Least For Now)

On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed an October 21, 2021 District Court Order that vacated 2020 regulations adopted by the Trump Administration on State and tribal water quality certification authority under Clean Water Act Section 401.  Under Section 401, an applicant for a federal permit or license for an activity that “may result in any discharge into the navigable waters” must obtain a “water quality certification” from the state or authorized tribe in the area where a discharge could occur.  The Trump Administration regulations placed restrictions on the time frame and scope of objections by States and tribal governments under Section 401, limiting their respective authority to impose conditions on certification for discharge into waters within their borders.  The 2020 rule was vacated by U.S. District Court in California as the result of a legal challenge.  In a 5-4 vote, the high court’s decision reinstated the Trump-era rule nationwide, without any explanation, while the legal challenges are pending in the Court of Appeal.

The return of the Trump-era rule will contribute to uncertainty as to how California and other states and tribal groups will conduct Section 401 review of federal licenses and permits affecting its waters.  The Biden Administration had announced plans to review 2020 regulations, and on June 2, 2021, the EPA issued a Notice of Intention to Reconsider and Revise the Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule in the Federal Register.  However, the new regulations are not expected to be published until next year.  In the meantime, the outcome of currently pending federal cases such as CalState Water ResControl BdvFERC, No. 20-72782 (9th Cir. filed Sept. 17, 2020)  and Turlock Irrigation District, et al v. FERC,  No. 21-1121 (D.C. Cir. May 21, 2021) may provide some clarity regarding Section 401 certification authority.

Background on 2020 Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule

States can protect the water quality of federally regulated waters within their borders pursuant to federal statute under Clean Water Act Section 401.  The 1971 version of the Section 401 EPA Rule (40 CFR Part 121.1(1971)) provides guidelines as to how States and Tribal governments can provide final certification for discharges into their waters based on federal, state, and Tribal water quality standards.

In 2019, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 13868 to encourage greater investment in energy infrastructure and reduce regulatory uncertainty in the United States, including broad directives to the EPA regarding Section 401.  This guidance was formalized in the 2020 Rule (see 40 CFR Part 121(2020)).  The 2020 Rule limited the role of States and Tribes in the certification in certain key respects:

  • Scope: The certification must address water quality concerns from the discharge itself and not the proposed activity as a whole. 40 CFR Part 121.3.  This has the effect of preventing objections from States and Tribes based on broader environmental concerns, such as climate change.
  • Timing: The federal agency must establish a reasonable period for certification review, capped at a maximum of one year. 40 CFR Part 121.6.  This rule is meant to codify a recent federal holding that requiring withdrawal and resubmission of the same certification request for the purpose of circumventing the one-year statutory deadline does not restart the reasonable period of time.  Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC, 913 F.3d 1099, 1101 (D.C. Cir. 2019).
  • Federal Oversight: The 2020 Certification Rule creates an affirmative obligation for federal permitting agencies to review state Section 401 Certifications to ensure compliance with procedural requirements. 40 CFR Part 121.8.  Failure to comply with procedural requirements can lead to Section 401 Certification being waived.

Legal Challenge to Trump Rule

Shortly after the 2020 Rule was finalized, California, other states, and environmental groups challenged the rule in three separate cases (brought in federal district courts in California, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina).  The California challenge resulted in Judge Alsup’s October 21, 2021, vacating the 2020 Certification Rule and reinstating the 1971 version. The District Court concluded the 2020 Rule arbitrarily limits the power to “consider all state actions related to water quality in imposing conditions” on Section 401 certification.

A group of States, led by Louisiana, and several energy groups intervened to defend the rule and requested the Ninth Circuit stay the ruling. The Ninth Circuit denied a motion to stay the effect of Judge Alsup’s order while the appeal was pending.

The “Shadow” Supreme Court Ruling and Justice Kagan’s Dissent

After the Ninth Circuit denied their request on February 24, an application for stay pending appeal was granted by the US Supreme Court in its 5-4 ruling on April 6.  In what is commonly referred to as a “shadow docket,” which are orders and summary decisions that defy normal procedural regularity, the 5-4 decision was issued without any explanation or rationale.

Justice Elena Kagan authored a dissent, joined notably by Chief Justice John Roberts, as well as Justice Breyer and Justice Sotomayor, to the Stay.  Citing Supreme Court precedent, Justice Kagan reiterated the standard for obtaining a stay in a case pending before an appellate court.  In such a case, a stay may only be granted in extraordinary circumstances and upon a showing of irreparable injury absent a stay.  According to the dissent, the applicants failed to meet this standard because they could not identify a single project that a State has blocked in the months since the District Court’s decision.  Moreover, the applicants failed to identify a single project that the court’s ruling threatens and failed to show why the reinstated regulatory regime was incapable of countering state overreach.

In addition, Judge Kagan discussed how the Supreme Court signaled its view on the case merits despite the applicants failure to make a showing of irreparable harm.  As a result, the Court’s emergency docket was misused for merit determination without proper briefing and argument.

Impact on California

Several major federal licensing and permitting schemes are subject to the Clean Water Act Section 401, including permits for discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands under Section 404 and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses for hydropower facilities and natural gas pipelines.  California is a State that has extensively utilized certification review under Section 401 to impose conditions on projects.  In particular, California’s State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has used 401 Certification Authority in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing context to require certain project conditions.

For example, in CalState Water ResControl BdvFERC, No. 20-72782 (9th Cir. filed Sept. 17, 2020) the SWRCB brought a petition to vacate a FERC issued license for the hydroelectric Yuba River Development Project.  SWRCB had issued a certification in July 2020 pending certain conditions and obligations.  FERC had determined that SWRCB had waived its certification authority by not acting on an initial application within one year of filing by Yuba County Water Authority (YCWA) based on Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC and the plain language of Clean Water Act Section 401.  YCWA has also filed a Federal suit that is currently stayed by the Eastern District of California court pending a decision in the Ninth Circuit where oral argument is scheduled for next month.

Similarly, in Turlock Irrigation District, et al v. FERC, No. 21-1121 (D.C. Cir. May 21, 2021), the Turlock and Modesto irrigation districts have asked the appeals court to overturn FERC’s order affirming California’s SWRCB rejection of the irrigation district’s application and request for the districts to resubmit certification days before a one-year deadline expired.  The order relates to two hydroelectric projects along the Tuolomne River.  Oral argument for the case was held this month in the D.C. Circuit, where the case is pending.  The irrigation districts relied on Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC as authority to argue that the state agency forfeited its authority when it delayed acting and required repeated resubmissions of an application.  States in support of FERC’s determination have pointed to the complexity of hydroelectric licensing and the inapplicability of Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC, which involved a different set of facts wherein the States took no action on certification requests after demanding repeated withdrawals and resubmissions.  

Nevertheless, both FERC cases demonstrate how the duration of the review period is an important aspect of the certification process.  The resolution of these cases will provide helpful precedent as to the appropriate review period for California’s state agencies engaged in 401 certification review.

California PERB Decision on UC Vaccination Mandate

In further proof that employers’ efforts to mandate vaccines has gained momentum, on July 26, 2021, the California Public Employment Relations Board (“PERB”) issued a decision that held that the University of California’s (“UC”) 2020 flu vaccine mandate was either (1) not amenable to bargaining or (2) outweighed the benefit of bargaining. PERB held that the UC’s mandating of vaccines is a managerial right due to the need to protect public health related to both COVID-19 and the flu. PERB has prioritized the need to protect the public’s health over collective bargaining rights. At the same time, PERB faulted the UC for failing to meet and confer with the unions over the foreseeable effects of the vaccine mandate.

For more information, contact Meyers Nave attorneys.

Public Agency Law Associate – 2 to 8 years of experience (Sacramento)

ABOUT MEYERS NAVE

Meyers Nave has a reputation in California as a go-to law firm serving as general counsel and city attorney to a variety of public agencies throughout the State.  Our public law attorneys handle our client’s highest profile, most complicated and significant transactions on the cutting edge of law and policy for public agencies in the State.  Attorneys work in multi-disciplinary teams across five offices to help our clients navigate local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Meyers Nave has served California local governments for over 30 years, growing into a state-wide firm with more than 60 attorneys with experience in the wide range of topics that impact our clients.  We provide day-to-day legal advice as well as representation in complex transactions and litigation.

Currently, Meyers Nave serves as city attorney for 16 cities and as general counsel to dozens of counties and special districts.  Many of these relationships have spanned decades—a fact which testifies to the quality of our work and our commitment to clients.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Meyers Nave is looking for a smart, thoughtful and motivated associate attorney with 2-to-8 years of experience to join the Municipal & Special District Law Practice Group in our Sacramento office.  The ideal candidate will have experience working with public agencies, including cities and special districts, and a demonstrated interest in public agency law or public service.

Key qualifications include excellent writing and research skills, superior public speaking ability and the ability to immediately work directly with clients.  Transactional experience is essential.  Prior experience in litigation is also valued.  Relevant professional experience may include, but is not limited to, Brown Act, Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, conflicts of interest and Government Code 1090, code enforcement, insurance, public contracting and procurement, land use and CEQA, transportation, public utilities, real estate and legislative affairs.

Meyers Nave offers a collaborative work environment where associate and of counsel attorneys are an essential part of our team of attorneys working directly with our clients.  Our Sacramento office provides a collegial, team-oriented work environment, with the support, structured training and resources of a mid-size state-wide firm.  We handle a broad variety of challenging issues on current legal and policy issues which offer exciting opportunities for our attorney teams.  Meyers Nave and the attorneys supervising this position are committed advancing the careers of our attorneys and creating client opportunities for them.  We are committed to mentoring and developing attorneys to advance within the firm and legal profession.

HOW TO APPLY

Meyers Nave is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Interested candidates should CLICK HERE and follow the link to apply.  Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript and one substantive writing sample.

Public Agency Law Associate – 1 to 3 years of experience (Oakland Preferred)

ABOUT MEYERS NAVE

Meyers Nave has a reputation in California as a go-to law firm serving as general counsel to public agencies and handling our client’s highest profile, most complicated and significant transactions and litigation.  Attorneys work in multi-disciplinary teams across five offices to help our clients navigate local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Meyers Nave has served California local governments for over 35 years, growing into a state-wide firm with more than 60 attorneys with experience in the wide range of topics that impact our clients.  We provide day-to-day legal advice as well as representation in complex transactions and litigation.

Currently, Meyers Nave serves as city attorney for 16 cities and as general counsel to dozens of counties and special districts.  Many of these relationships have spanned decades—a fact which testifies to the quality of our work and our commitment to clients.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Meyers Nave is looking for a smart, thoughtful and motivated associate attorney with 1-3 years of experience to join the Municipal & Special District Law Practice Group in our Oakland office.  The ideal candidate will have experience working with public agencies, including cities and transportation agencies, and a demonstrated interest in public agency law or public service.

Key qualifications include excellent writing and research skills, superior public speaking ability and the ability to immediately work directly with clients.  Transactional experience is essential.  Relevant professional experience may include, but is not limited to, Brown Act, Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, conflicts of interest and Government Code 1090, public contracting and procurement, land use and CEQA, transportation, real estate and legislative affairs.

Meyers Nave offers a collaborative work environment where associate and of counsel attorneys are an essential part of our team of attorneys working directly with our clients.  Our Oakland office provides a collegial, team-oriented work environment, with the support, structured training and resources of a mid-size state-wide firm.  We handle a broad variety of challenging issues on current legal and policy issues which offer exciting opportunities for our attorney teams.  Meyers Nave and the attorneys supervising this position are committed advancing the careers of our attorneys and creating client opportunities for them.  We are committed to mentoring and developing attorneys to advance within the firm and legal profession.

HOW TO APPLY

Meyers Nave is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Interested candidates should CLICK HERE and follow the link to apply.  Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript and one substantive writing sample.

Direct applicants only. The Firm is not accepting submissions from recruiters for this position.