Russell Miyahira

Associate

Areas of Practice

Municipal Law
Ordinances and Transactional Matters

Education

J.D., Hastings College of Law, 1985, Juris Doctor
B.A., Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles

Admissions

Supreme Court of California
United States District Court for the Central and Northern District of California
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of California

Mr. Miyahira currently serves as deputy city attorney for Santa Fe Springs and Placentia and serves as assistant city attorney for Westminster. Before joining Jones Mayer in 2022, Mr. Miyahira served as city attorney for the City of Hawthorne from 2009 to 2021, where he handled all aspects of municipal law. Prior to that time, Mr. Miyahira was also the assistant and deputy city attorney for the City of Hawthorne from 1986 to 1988 and from 1995 to 2009, where he prosecuted misdemeanors and code enforcement cases, handled litigation (dangerous condition), as well as advising the planning commission and the civil service commission. Before working for local government, he was an associate at two civil litigation firms (defense) defending government and public agencies in a variety of matters.

His primary practice areas are municipal law and transactional matters. Mr. Miyahira works closely with elected officials, planning commissioners, and staff in all areas of municipal law. He drafts ordinances and resolutions and provides advice and training on the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, and conflicts of interest. Mr. Miyahira has advised and drafted numerous departmental policies and forms for all city departments.

Mr. Miyahira has assisted multiple cities in drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, and related documents for various city projects.

Ms. Miyahira presently assists various cities on issues related to land use, CEQA, and planning law.

Mr. Miyahira currently serves as Deputy City Attorney for Santa Fe Springs, and Placentia and serves as Assistant City Attorney for Westminster. Before joining Jones Mayer in 2022, Mr. Miyahira served as City Attorney for the City of Hawthorne from 2009 to 2021, where he handled all aspects of municipal law. Prior to that time, Mr. Miyahira was also the Assistant and Deputy City Attorney for the City of Hawthorne from 1986 to 1988 and from 1995 to 2009, where he prosecuted misdemeanors and code enforcement cases, handled litigation (dangerous condition), as well as advising the Planning Commission and the Civil Service Commission. Before working for local government, he was an Associate at two civil litigation firms (defense) defending government and public agencies in a wide variety of matters.

His primary practice areas are municipal law and transactional matters. Mr. Miyahira works closely with elected officials, planning commissioners and staff in all areas of municipal law. He drafts ordinances and resolutions and provides advice and training on the Brown Act, the Public Records Act and conflicts of interest. Mr. Miyahira has advised and drafted numerous departmental policies and forms for all city departments.