Overview
In his three decades of representing government entities, Patrick Enright has passionately represented cities, special districts and joint powers authorities. He has argued before the United States District Court in Sacramento in challenges to general plans, regional plans and the California Environmental Quality Act. Patrick has represented City Councils, Boards of Directors, Planning Commissions and many special purpose entities in the areas of the Brown Act, Conflicts, Public Records Act, land use, environmental, public works, Proposition 218, police and fire personnel matters and civil rights actions. Patrick strives to provide options to achieve the goals of the clients while minimizing litigation risks.
Work for Clients
Patrick has served as City Attorney for South Lake Tahoe and Atascadero and as General Counsel to Bear Valley Community Services District, Riverdale Public Utility District, Fresno County Waterworks #18 (Friant), Del Rey Community Services District, Inyokern Community Services District, Westside Cable Television Authority, and Alpaugh Joint Powers Authority, among others. He has also represented the Cities of Selma, Chowchilla, and Coalinga and served as legal counsel to the Planning Commissions of Elk Grove, Selma and Chowchilla.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining Richards, Watson & Gershon, Patrick served as City Attorney for South Lake Tahoe and Atascadero. He most recently served as Senior Counsel for Abbott & Kindermann, a small boutique law firm in Sacramento specializing in land use and environmental law. Previously, he was a shareholder with Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard in Sacramento and began his career in public law working for Hargrove & Costanzo in Fresno.
Honors & Awards
Member, Sacramento County Bar Association, Secretary/Treasurer of Real Property Section
Experience
Highlighted Representations
- League to Save Lake Tahoe v. City of South Lake Tahoe, US District Court Eastern District. Represented City of South Lake Tahoe as City Attorney and lead counsel in a challenge to the City's General Plan update based on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's Compact and the California Environmental Quality Act. Filed a Motion to Dismiss (12(b)(6) and court dismissed the lawsuit without leave to amend. One of the few case in Tahoe basin that was resolved without extensive litigation.
- Vu v. City of South Lake Tahoe. Defended City building official's revocation of a building permit that was challenged after it was discovered the property had an open space easement on the parcel. Filed demurrer, which was granted without leave to amend. The trial court's order was appealed to the Third Appellate Court and affirmed as to the City.
- Patel v. City of South Lake Tahoe, South Tahoe Redevelopment Agency. Defended City and Redevelopment Agency against claim for inverse condemnation and unjust enrichment. The City and Redevelopment Agency prevailed at trial.
Presentations
Practice Areas
Focus Areas
- Brown Act & Open Government
- CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) (Environmental)
- Climate Change
- Conflicts of Interest and Local Government Ethics
- Joint Powers Authorities
- LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commissions)
- Land Use Planning & Zoning (Environmental)
- Land Use Planning & Zoning (Municipal)
- Propositions 13, 218 & 26 (Public Finance)
- Public Records & E-Documents
- Public Works & Public Contracting
Education
J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
B.S., Pennsylvania State University
