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Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP

Jessica E. Ehrlich

Partner

Los Angeles
|
Oakland
|
San Diego
jehrlich@f3law.com
D 323.330.6821
Jessica E. Ehrlich

What can I solve for you?

School districts and other public agencies turn to me for insightful counsel and strategic resolutions for a range of matters relating to properties, construction and renovation, as well as the funding for these and other projects.

What's it like to work with me?

I advise clients in transactional matters and represent them in litigation. One area informs the other, which enhances my ability to serve clients. Ensuring contracts are as “airtight” as possible helps prevent lawsuits, and carefully analyzing document language works to my clients’ advantage in the courtroom. I’m fully dedicated to those I represent and stay awake thinking about how to solve their problems so they can sleep soundly at night.

Top Issues in My Practice

  • #schoolbondmeasures
  • #construction
  • #facilities
  • #publicworks
  • #publicagency
  • #CommunityColleges
  • #sustainability
  • #procurement
  • #purchasing

Overview

With more than a decade of experience advising on public works’ projects, Jessica Ehrlich guides K-12 school districts, community college districts and courts throughout California in transactions and litigation, procurements and purchases, construction and facilities, property acquisitions and sales and land use and environmental matters. She also helps districts implement funding and support bond programs for the construction and modernization of school facilities. With unique knowledge and experience in the areas of buildings and bonds, she lightheartedly characterizes her practice as “dirt and money.”

Jessica enjoys working with clients on their construction and renovation programs, particularly when she’s involved in the creation of a new structure from the concept to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a tangible, completed project. In addition to educational entities, Jessica works with the Judicial Council of California on courthouse projects throughout the state of California. Playing a role in creating something that enhances people’s lives—such as a new courthouse, science center, classroom facility or athletics complex—gives her a great sense of accomplishment. Jessica’s also honored to act as a dedicated steward who helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used as wisely as possible. As co-chair of the firm’s Higher Education Practice Group, she spearheads effective representation of community college districts in the business and facilities arenas.

Always looking down the road, Jessica stays alert for potential difficulties and helps protect her clients’ interests by nipping small problems in the bud before they can grow. When issues are best addressed in the courtroom, she draws on her significant experience as an advocate for public agencies in civil litigation, as well as in arbitration, mediation and informal dispute resolution. No matter what avenue she and her client pursue, Jessica strives to “out-prepare” the opponent. She fully understands that such diligence pays dividends by achieving optimal outcomes for her clients.

Large public entities’ scale and assets can rival those of Fortune 500 companies, and Jessica adeptly fields the wide range of issues that crop up for these highly complex organizations. Whether clients have concerns or disputes stemming from overhauls to existing structures, affordable housing for college students, energy efficiency in new buildings, bond measures on the ballot, unscrupulous contractors, or any number of other issues, Jessica guides them through challenges with steadfast resolve, sharp legal acumen, and a sense of fun that clients say helps take the stress out of work.

Experience Highlights

Recent Success

  • Successfully negotiated a $1.5 million settlement from a design firm on behalf of a community college district in advance of trial
  • Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court ruling in favor of a school district related to cutting edge COVID and Brown Act issues
  • Settled multiple contractor claims through informal dispute resolution avoiding costly litigation on behalf of K-12 school districts
  • Reduced and eliminated audit findings on energy efficiency projects saving school districts million of dollars

After School

An enthusiast of indoor cycling fitness programs, Jessica characterizes herself as a “Soul Cycle fanatic.” She also enjoys patronizing the Los Angeles restaurant scene, reading fiction, and traveling—with Mexico a frequent destination.

Education

  • New York Law School (J.D.)
  • University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A., Political Science; Minors, English and History)

Admissions

Bar Admissions
  • California
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court, Central District, California
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District, California
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District, California
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District, California

Related Services

  • Facilities & Construction
  • Business
  • Litigation
  • Real Estate & Property

Related Clients

  • Community Colleges
  • Public Agencies
  • Higher Education
  • Public Education K-12

Presentations

  • Moderator and Panelist for CCFC (California Community College Facilities Coalition)
  • Presenter for CASBO (California Association of School Business Officials)
  • Presenter, County of Ventura - Bidding & Procurement

Jessica's Insights

  1. Newsflash
    Contracts for Modular School Facilities Now Ineligible for State Funding if Purchased via Piggyback Contract
    July 2022
    less than a minute
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