LAW OFFICES OF BYRON DAMIANI JR

I graduated with Distinction from the McGeorge School of Law in 1991 and was licensed to practice law in California the same year. I graduated in the top 6% of my class and earned American Jurisprudence Awards in Constitutional Law and Business Associations.

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As a Deputy City Attorney for Sacramento, I prosecuted legal actions on behalf of, and defended actions against, the City of Sacramento in general civil litigation, writs, and civil appeals in state and federal courts, representing the city in administrative proceedings in disability retirement appeals and in code enforcement actions, advising relevant city departments in eminent domain actions, and successfully defending over 40 civil suits against the city. I also advised and drafted ordinances for the solid waste, public works, and real estate departments, advised and drafted general orders for the police department, and advised the city’s labor relations division, including participating in labor negotiations. I negotiated and reviewed leases of city property for retail and other uses, and reviewed requests for proposals and contracts for vendors providing levee construction and maintenance and other flood control infrastructure. I represented the city in stakeholder meetings for development of the Natomas area, including traffic, flood control, and land use planning. I provided written opinions, testimony, and advice to the city council on ordinances and questions of law. Additionally, I originated the city’s model cell tower lease and independently negotiated construction and installation of a gas flare facility for the city landfill.

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As a Deputy Legislative Counsel I drafted bills, constitutional amendments, opinions, initiatives, and other documents. I have expertise in a wide variety of codes and subjects (see State Legislative Advocacy in Practice Areas above). I represented and advised clients in meetings with stakeholders, lobbyists, legislative staff, state department staff, the Governor's office, and others to achieve the desired policy, and provided testimony and advice to legislative committees on legislation and questions of law.  I am experienced with law regulating procedures for state and local entities, including, but not limited to, the Brown Act, Bagley-Keene Act, Public Records Act, Administrative Procedure Act, and the Political Reform Act of 1974. I am also familiar with procedures for promulgating and adopting regulations. Significant drafting achievements in this capacity include being lead deputy for the Deadly Weapons Recodification Act of 2010, the Criminal Justice Realignment Act (2011), and the California Homeowner Bill of Rights (2012), among others. I also mentored new deputies in the office, created and presented training materials on the subject of state-mandated local programs, and provided ethics training to legislative staff.

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As a Commissioner on the Amador County LAFCO, I am able to help implement policies that, among other purposes, balance growth and development with preservation of agricultural resources and open space, discourage urban sprawl, and extend government services efficiently.

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My life experience is extensive and varied. In addition to over 30 years as an attorney, I have experience in a variety of fields besides the law. My financial and real estate experience includes previously being licensed as a real estate agent, insurance agent, financial planner, and securities agent. I also have experience as a mortgage loan officer, real estate appraiser, and in title insurance. My medical experience includes work as a pathology assistant and an internship at the National Institutes of Health. I have been a Commissioner on the Amador County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) since 2007. As a small business owner, my wife and I have owned an operated the Sutter Creek Theatre since 2003, and during that time also operated a small cafe and wine bar in connection with the theatre. This broad practical experience has made me a well rounded attorney with real world experience in areas besides the practice of law and have contributed to my being an effective attorney for my clients.

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As an active member of the community, the Sutter Creek Theatre  is a member of the Sutter Creek Business and Professions Association, the Amador Council of Tourism, and the Amador Chamber of Commerce, and has supported numerous local and nonprofit entities in the county, including the Amador Arts Council, Amador Community Foundation, Amador County Recreation Agency, Amador High School,  Blue Mountain Radio, Foothill Conservancy, Interfaith Food Bank of Amador County, Knight Foundry, Mother Lode Friends of Music, and the Sutter Creek Fire Department.