Henry G. Castillo gained first-hand knowledge of the legislative process on a variety of public policy issues from his years serving elected officials at the state level. As a Municipal Law attorney at Best Best & Krieger LLP, he brings that valuable experience and insight to his local public agency clients.
 
Before joining BB&K, Henry was deputy district director for California Sen. Connie M. Leyva. The position gave him  a unique opportunity to see how cities and special districts work and interact with the communities they serve. Henry worked on some of the most critical issues local government agencies in California face, including legislation related to development, employment, the environment and water and veterans affairs. He was the lead staffer on labor, business, civil rights, immigration and water policy areas — a role that required frequent interaction with various water districts.
 
Henry previously worked as a district representative to former state Sen. Alex Padilla. He also worked for Padilla prior to law school as a California Senate Fellow. Henry assisted in developing and drafting  legislation that eventually became law. During that time, he was concurrently enrolled at California State University, Sacramento taking graduate level classes in government and public policy.
 
Henry has put his extensive legislative background to work for public agency clients, such as in drafting ordinances for  sidewalk/street vending and cannabis sales. Henry negotiates complex public contracts, advocating for his public agency clients’ best interests. He has authored a variety of Legal Alerts on topics including cannabis, homelessness and Fair Political Practices Commissions regulations, and has presented on sidewalk street vending. His article on COVID-19 and local authority was chosen as a runner-up in the Public Law Journal's 2020 Writing Competition.
 
Henry advises clients on a multitude of legal areas, including conflict of interest, the Brown Act, local elections laws, constitutional law issues, public contracting and some labor and employment issues. Henry advises both municipal and special district clients.
 
While attending the University of California, Hastings College of Law, Henry clerked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Hard Core Gang Division, where he conducted legal research. Henry also served as a legislative aide in the state Senate during law school.
 
A U.S. Navy veteran, Henry is married with a daughter. He enjoys grilling for his family and friends and rooting for their favorite team the LA Galaxy. Henry also serves on the Chaffey College Foundation Board’s Executive Committee.
 
Education

• University of California, Hastings College of the Law, J.D.
• California State University, Los Angeles, B.A., political science
• California Capital Fellows Program

Admissions

• California