GARY J. ANDERSON

Assistant City Attorney

Practice Area

Employment Law

Background and Experience

Mr. Anderson’s primary duties include advising all city departments on a variety of labor and employment related issues including, hiring practices, discipline procedures, sexual harassment, federal and state labor and employment laws (e.g. MMBA, ADA, FMLA, FEHA, Police and Fire Bill of Rights). He handles Internal Affairs and workplace investigations and advises on employment related lawsuits against the city. Mr. Anderson also serves as legal advisor to the Long Beach Civil Service Commission.

Mr. Anderson’s past experience in the City Attorney’s Office has included working as a trial attorney representing the city in general civil litigation matters, including: civil rights, premises liability, free speech, and breach of contract. Mr. Anderson is an experienced litigator having conducted many bench and jury trials in State and Federal Court.

Additionally, Mr. Anderson has practiced in the area of general contract law and prepared legal opinions and transactional documents including leases, permits, affiliation agreements, contracts, resolutions and ordinances. Mr. Anderson also served as legal advisor to the Long Beach Public Safety Committee.

Prior to joining the Office of the City Attorney, Mr. Anderson was an associate at the law firm of Burke, Williams, and Sorensen in Los Angeles, specializing in election law, “pitchess” motions, nuisance abatement and code enforcement. Prior to joining B.W.S., Mr. Anderson served as a Deputy District Attorney for the County of Tulare, where he amassed a 99% conviction rate at trial.

Professional Affiliations

Mr. Anderson is a member of the State Bar of California and the Long Beach Bar Association. Mr. Anderson is admitted to practice in California and before the United States Northern and Central District Courts. Mr. Anderson also serves as a Community Volunteer and former Board Member with the Long Beach Bar Association Short Stop Program where he mentors young teens.

Education

Mr. Anderson graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, San Diego.