Overview

Andrew Fausto is an Associate practicing out of Lozano Smith's Los Angeles and Fresno offices. His practice is focused on the municipal, facilities and business, student, technology, and governance aspects of public agency law.

Experience

Mr. Fausto provides general counsel services to local governments on a multitude of issues. He assists clients with cannabis-related code enforcement issues and prepares for code enforcement administrative hearings. He is experienced in interpreting novel legislation for local governments and preparing revisions for city ordinances to ensure legal compliance. Mr. Fausto analyzes public records for Public Records Act requests, advises on privileged, exempt documents, and redacts confidential information. He is experienced in analyzing local government practices and advising on constitutional issues, such as First Amendment and Fourth Amendment matters through memoranda to ensure legal compliance.

Mr. Fausto assists in all steps of contract preparation, and frequently assists clients with due diligence/risk-benefit issues while providing the necessary research to ensure clients make well-informed decisions. Mr. Fausto advises clients through memorandum on conflict-of-interest issues for public officials (local government and school boards) under the California Government Code, Political Reform Act, and Common Law Conflict of Interest doctrine. He also has experience in legal research and analysis regarding financial audits of school districts, guiding boards through the audit process, opining on legal issues through memorandum, and counseling on potential options.

Mr. Fausto is also experienced in independent study provisions, advising clients on this issue, and revising independent study written agreements and board policies to ensure compliance with Education Code. He frequently advises clients on free speech issues, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, school funding, law enforcement at schools, J-13A waivers, and other issues. He also analyzes student records and prepares due process complaints in preparation of administrative hearings.

Education

Mr. Fausto received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law with a concentration in Business Law. During law school he was the President of the Hastings First Generation Professionals, a student-led group that strives to address the integration of first-generation law students into UC Hastings and the legal profession. He also served as a Staff Editor for the Hastings Communication and Entertainment Law Journal. Mr. Fausto also earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award and Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Negotiation and Mediation, and was awarded Best Brief for Moot Court. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Los Angeles.

Assembly Bill 181 Includes Significant Changes to Independent Study Requirements for the 2022-2023 School Year

By: Ruth Mendyk, Kendra Tovey, Andrew Fausto- 07/28/2022

Federal District Court Upholds Consequences for Student's Offensive Tweet

By: Sloan Simmons, Andrew Fausto- 06/30/2022

Ninth Circuit Refuses to Enforce OCR's "Dear Colleague Letters" as Binding Law in Disability Discrimination Suits for Money Damages

By: Sloan Simmons, Andrew Fausto- 11/05/2021

Seek and Serve: California Expands Outreach for Homeless Youth

By: Jennifer Baldassari, Andrew Fausto- 11/01/2021