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Dean Atyia is a trial lawyer in the firm’s Special Districts Practice Group, where he advises clients in providing focused public services involving funding, governance, and regulation. He skillfully manages clients’ litigation matters when their projects and interests are threatened, and when they seek to vindicate their rights.  

Dean brings a wealth of trial experience to the firm, having won cases in state and federal courts around the country, and successfully arguing appeals in federal appellate courts, as an Assistant United States Attorney and Assistant Attorney General. In his prior practice, Dean investigated and litigated whistleblower complaints and prosecuted and tried civil and criminal matters. He was also responsible for managing a team of attorneys and staff focused on law enforcement and special prosecutions, overseeing a docket of more than 300 cases prosecuting government interests, and defending government agencies in state and federal courts. Dean regularly advised public entities, legislators, and government executives in matters involving pending legislation, regulatory compliance, and regulatory enforcement. Prior to his government service, Dean practiced with the law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP, where he specialized in intellectual property litigation and commercial dispute resolution.

Professional & Community Involvement
  • California Lawyers Association, Public Law Section Executive Committee, Member
Thought Leadership

Presentations

  • "The Looming Crisis in Rate Setting," Association of California Water Agencies Spring Conference & Expo, May 8, 2024

Education & Admissions

Education
University of Michigan Law School
J.D., cum laude
Middlebury College
B.A., philosophy, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions
California
Tennessee
Court Admissions
Supreme Court of California
Supreme Court of Tennessee
U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court Central District of California
U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee
U.S. District Court Middle District of Tennessee
U.S. District Court Northern District of California
U.S. District Court Southern District of California
U.S. District Court Western District of Tennessee

Languages

English

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