Shawn Hagerty works with public agencies in California and throughout the United States to solve complex legal problems, with an emphasis on federal and state water quality and water supply laws. His years of experience serving as both general and special counsel to public agencies give him a deep understanding of the best practices, trends and approaches necessary to obtain permits for, and successfully implement, small and large-scale water quality and water supply projects. Because of Shawn’s experience as a city attorney, a unique aspect of his practice is his focus on the relationship between land use and water.

Water Quality 
Shawn’s practice involves helping his public agency clients assess and comply with the numerous federal and state water quality regulations. This includes work under the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the state equivalents to these federal laws. He advises clients regarding the obtaining of, and compliance with, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, and represents clients in administrative actions regarding such permits. His work includes stormwater permits, industrial permits (including construction), permits for publicly owned treatment works, water supply permits and 404 permits/401 certifications. It also includes related work triggered by the Endangered Species Act and other federal and state environmental laws that are involved in water quality and water supply projects. Shawn works with the Environmental Protection Agency and state water quality officials on these matters.

Representative Matters 

• Representing the City of Santa Maria in its effort to create an Integrated Plan to consolidate all of its water quality and water supply obligations under one comprehensive, watershed-based plan
• Representing the City of Ventura in an action challenging the City’s use of water from the Ventura River due to alleged impacts on steelhead trout
• Representing the City of Santa Barbara in connection with the restarting of its desalination facility, including obtaining updated water quality permits for the facility
• Representing a large number of federal and state associations in connection with a U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals case involving the novel “conduit theory” of liability under the Clean Water Act
• Representing the City of Manvel, Texas, in connection with long-term water supply and water quality planning and implementation
• Serving as a water quality expert in a successful federal district court jury trial

Municipal Law and Land Use
In addition to his water quality and water supply experience, Shawn provides both general and special counsel services to California cities and public agencies regarding general governance and land use issues. Since 2003, Shawn has served as city attorney for the City of Santee, Calif. Since 2009, he has also served as corporate counsel to Civic San Diego, a nonprofit corporation that provides permitting, economic development and project management services to the City of San Diego in specific portions of the City. As counsel to these and other California entities, Shawn has developed experience in governance and land use matters applicable to California cities and public agencies.

Shawn is president of the City Attorneys Association of San Diego. He has taught land use and planning classes at the University of California, San Diego Extension, and presents at seminars for organizations such as the California Stormwater Quality Association, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the International Municipal Lawyers Association, the Texas City Attorneys Association, the Association of California Water Agencies, the California County Counsels Association, the Association of Environmental Professionals and other planning organizations.

Education

• University of Wisconsin, J.D., with honors
• College of William and Mary, B.A., with honors, religion

Admissions

• California

Memberships

• California Stormwater Quality Association
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies
• International Municipal Lawyers Association

Awards

• Best Attorney, San Diego Metro Magazine, 2021
• The Best Lawyers in America®, Land Use and Zoning Law, 2016–2023
• San Diego Super Lawyers, Environmental, 2007, 2014–2022
• Land Use & Zoning Law Lawyer of the Year in San Diego, Best Lawyers®, 2020
• The San Diego Daily Transcript’s Annual 100 Influential Leaders in San Diego, 2016
• International Municipal Lawyers Association Amicus Service Award, 2016