Overview

James Sanchez is Senior Counsel in Lozano Smith's Fresno and Monterey offices. He provides legal advice and services on the full range of municipal litigation and transactional legal issues facing local government and municipal agencies throughout California.

Experience

Mr. Sanchez has practiced municipal law for over thirty years. His passion is aiding elected and appointed officials in resolving complex social, organizational and economic challenges. He has conducted numerous high-profile investigations for local governments and school districts.

Mr. Sanchez previously served as the City Attorney for the Cities of Sacramento, Fresno and Salinas, as well as Deputy County Counsel for the County of Fresno. While City Attorney for the City of Sacramento, he successfully oversaw coordination of multiple lawsuits, financing and transactions related to the half billion dollar Golden One Center entertainment complex in downtown Sacramento.

Professional Affiliations

Mr. Sanchez has been active in several organizations and committees, including: Rotary Club; Editorial Committee of League of California Cities Municipal Law Handbook; Monterey Bay Representative to League of California Cities statewide Legal Advocacy Committee; and National League of Cities invitee to meet with the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. to advocate equitable approaches to municipal environmental liabilities. He has also served as a board member for several community-oriented nonprofit organizations.

Education

Mr. Sanchez received his Juris Doctorate from the University of California Hastings College of Law. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Pepperdine University (magna cum laude).

Individual Councilmember's Conduct Found to Deny Fair Hearing

By: Harold Freiman, James Sanchez, Jayme Duque- 05/29/2020

State Adopts Comprehensive Housing Legislation

By: Harold Freiman, James Sanchez- 12/04/2017

Navigating the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in California

By: James Sanchez, Mary Lerner- 08/22/2018

Lozano Smith attorneys discuss some of the important aspects of California's future and complex history with groundwater. Topics include the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA), pre-1914 water rights, and CEQA issues and evaluations. Additionally, they dive into various considerations as local governments adopt general plans and make decisions affecting groundwater and land use.