(310) 475-5700
Cristina Talley is a tenacious and versatile litigator with extensive experience in constitutional, environmental, and land use law and a deep history in public service. For more than 35 years, her practice has focused on municipal law and complex civil litigation, in which she advised public agencies throughout California on matters related to employment, law enforcement, due process and a wide range of other matters. Clients have routinely praised Ms. Talley’s thorough, detail-oriented approach to litigation; in jury trials and appellate court matters, she leaves no stone unturned and no avenue unpursued.
Formerly serving as City Attorney for several local municipalities, including the City of Pasadena and the City of Anaheim, Ms. Talley has managed legal teams of nearly a dozen attorneys on matters of significant public importance. Her legal experience also extends to administrative hearings, acting as special counsel to hearing boards and commissions, as a hearing officer, and conducting personnel investigations.
Ms. Talley earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Arts from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, graduating Cum Laude. She is licensed to practice law in California and admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central and Eastern districts of California, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Areas of focus:
- Constitutional law issues, including Frist Amendment, Equal Protection and Due Process
- Real property disputes, including land use and zoning
- General counsel matters, including drafting agreements, ordinances, resolutions attending city council/planning commission meetings
- Land Use/Zoning
- Public Records Act/Brown Act
- Election issues
- Administrative hearings and appeals
- Voting Rights
- Breach of Contract
- Civil Rights
MACHOWSKI, ET AL. v. BIRD RIDES, INC., ET AL., United States District Court, Central District of California, Case. No. 2:10-cv-01014-JAK-MRW
Represented cities of Long Beach and Culver City in class action alleging violation of Federal and State Disabilities laws, Public Nuisance, Trespass, and Unlawful Business Practices arising from the operation of motorized scooters. Case settled while motions to dismiss were pending.
CAPISTRANO SHORES, INC. v. CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, Orange County Superior Court Case. No. 30-2014-00709987 CU-EI-CXC
Takings claim based on General Plan Amendment establishing Open Space areas. Case settled during discovery phase of litigation.
EMERGENCY SHELTER COALITION v. CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2014-00758880-CU-WM-CJC
Challenge to City’s SB2 ordinance establishing zone for homeless shelters. Following the issuance of Writ of Mandate, worked with City and Department of Housing and Community Development to amend City’s SB2 ordinance to fully comply with State housing laws.
VALLELY, TRUSTEE OF THE JOHN STEPHEN VALLELY TRUST v. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2013-00677168-CU-PT-CJC
Successfully defended writ of mandate action challenging City’s denial of harbor permit. Case settled while on appeal after City negotiated harbor lease with Petitioner.
