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High Profile Cases

Lead Paint Litigation

County of Santa Clara, et al. v. Atlantic Richfield, et al.

Lead Paint Litigation

The County of Santa Clara and nine other California cities and counties won a $1.15 billion judgment from the Santa Clara County Superior Court in December 2013 in their long-running lawsuit against the former manufacturers of lead paint.

A Welcome Message from County Counsel James R. Williams

James R. Williams

The County Counsel is the chief legal advisor and representative for the County of Santa Clara, including the Board of Supervisors and all County agencies and departments. The Office also represents the Civil Grand Jury and several school and special districts and other entities. As the County Counsel, I am committed to ensuring that our Office provides exceptional, effective, and ethical advocacy and advice, focused on solving problems for the betterment of the County and the people we serve.

The Office of the County Counsel takes pride in being a preeminent law office, with more than 100 dedicated attorneys practicing in virtually every area of civil law. We are counselors in the fullest sense, providing service that is intelligent, trustworthy, and dedicated to public service. Our Office does not see our role as narrow: rather we provide service that will further the mission of the County, whether it be in the defense of matters or in affirmative litigation or in drafting legislation.

I hope that the information available on this site will help you learn more about the extraordinary work of our Office and the talented members of our legal staff.

James R. Williams

County Counsel

Biography of James R. Williams

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Civil and Code Enforcement TeamThe Civil & Code Enforcement team partners with other County departments to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of County residents by enforcing the County Ordinance Code.

Civil and Code Enforcement Team

Finance, Government Operations, and Environment TeamThe Finance, Government Operations, and Environment team provides legal advice to the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive, and County departments and agencies.

Finance, Government Operations, and Environment Team

Health & Hospital TeamThe Health & Hospital team provides legal research and advice to the Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System.

Health & Hospital Team

Litigation TeamThe Litigation team represents the County in lawsuits and significant claims filed against the County, its officials or its employees.

Litigation Team

Labor & Employment TeamThe Labor & Employment team advises County departments regarding legal aspects of day-to-day labor and employment matters, including employee discipline, labor-agreement interpretations, and compliance with state and federal laws.

Labor & Employment Team

Child and Family Protection TeamThe Child and Family Protection team represents the Social Services Agency’s Department of Family and Children’s Services in Juvenile Court dependency cases involving allegations of child abuse and neglect.

Child and Family Protection Team

Adult and Elder Protection TeamThe Adult and Elder Protection team represents and advises the Public Administrator/Guardian in almost 1,000 conservatorship, decedent estate, and trust proceedings each year.

Adult and Elder Protection Team

Public Safety & Justice TeamThe Public Safety & Justice team provides legal advice to each of the County departments and agencies that make up the County’s criminal justice and emergency response systems.

Public Safety & Justice Team

Social Justice and Impact Litigation TeamThe Social Justice and Impact Litigation team focuses on finding solutions to the many problems that plague the residents of the County, the State, and the United States. These solutions may include litigation, legislation, or policy initiatives.

Social Justice and Impact Litigation Team

Workers' Compensation TeamThe Workers' Compensation team provides legal services to the Workers' Compensation Division of the Risk Management Department in proceedings related to workers' compensation claims filed by County employees.

Workers' Compensation Team

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