Since 1981, De Lay & Laredo has specialized in providing trusted legal counsel to public agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout California. Our firm proudly represents special districts, water districts, public agencies, fire districts, community services districts, joint powers authorities, and airports as both General Counsel and Special Counsel.
In addition, we advise and represent nonprofit agencies, select businesses, and individuals, delivering efficient, cost-effective, and results-driven legal services. As a boutique law firm with big firm experience, our attorneys are committed to setting high standards in every matter we handle.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to serving our clients with competence, integrity, and skill. Our mission is to provide responsive counsel and strong advocacy tailored to our clients’ needs with candor, dedication, and clear, instructive guidance at every stage.
Comprehensive Legal Solutions
From drafting and negotiation to trial and appellate advocacy, we deliver complete legal solutions. Our hallmark is strategic problem-solving and goal achievement, ensuring our clients’ challenges are met with practical, timely, and effective legal advice.
Commitment to Excellence
At De Lay & Laredo, excellence is our standard. We take pride in providing technically precise, pragmatic, and supportive legal services that our clients can rely on for real-world applicability.
To schedule a consultation, contact our office at (831) 646-1502.
SPOTLIGHT ON ETHICS:
GIFTS
Local elected officers, candidates for local elective office, and local officials specified in Government Code Section 87200 may not accept gifts from any single source totaling more than $630 in a calendar year. (Section 89503). The gift limit is adjusted biennially to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. For 2025 and 2026, the gift limit is $630. (Section 89503: Regulation 18940.2). Gifts from a single source aggregating to $50 or more must be disclosed, and gifts aggregating to $630 or more during a 12-month period may subject an official to disqualification with respect to the source. (Section 87103(e).)
Designated employees should obtain a copy of their conflict-of-interest code from their agency. Employees may not accept gifts from any single source totaling more than $630 in a calendar year if the employee is required to report receiving income or gifts from that source on his or her statement of economic interests (Form 700). (Section 89503(c). Some conflict-of-interest codes require very limited disclosure of income and gifts. Gifts from sources that are not required to be disclosed on Form 700 are not subject to the $630 gift limit, but still may subject the public official to disqualification.
A “gift” is any payment or other benefit that confers a personal benefit for which a public official does not provide payment or services of equal or greater value. (Government Code Section 82028.) (See Regulation 18946 for valuation guidelines.)
A public official has “received” or “accepted” a gift when he or she has actual possession of the gift or when he or she takes any action exercising direction or control over the gift, including discarding the gift or turning it over to another person. This includes gifts that are accepted by someone else on the official’s behalf and gifts made to others at the direction of the official. (Regulation 18941.)
Gifts include:
- Money, food, drinks, lodging, entertainment, goods, services, passes, or tickets.
- Receipt = possession or action
- Fair market value
- Report whenever gifted by any
- donor or your own agency
Gifts generally do not include:
- gifts that are returned or donated to a charity within 30 days without being claimed as a tax deduction
- reciprocal exchanges made in the context of a social relationship
- gifts from certain family members
- exchanges commonly made between persons in a bona fide dating relationship
- campaign contributions
- inheritances
- personalized plaques or trophies with a value of less than $250
- home hospitality
- acts of neighborliness
- bereavement offerings
- exchanges commonly made between persons in a bona fide dating relationship
Enforcement Failure to comply with the laws related to gifts, honoraria, loans, and travel payments may, depending on the violation, result in criminal prosecution and substantial fines, or in administrative or civil monetary penalties for as much as $5,000 per violation or three times the amount illegally obtained. (See Sections 83116, 89520, 89521, 91000, 91004, and 91005.5.)
