California Public Records Act · Attorneys
When California public agencies ignore, delay, or unlawfully deny your public records requests, Benbrook Law Group fights to get you the transparency you are legally entitled to.
The Law
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) (California Government Code § 7920.000, et seq.) gives every person the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by state and local government agencies.
The law presumes that government records are open to the public. Agencies bear the burden of justifying any withholding. When they fail to comply — through improper denials, excessive delays, or unlawful redactions — you have legal recourse.
Benbrook Law Group has significant experience navigating the CPRA's procedural requirements, exemptions, and litigation pathways, so your request doesn't get buried in bureaucracy.
Common reasons to contact us:
Scope of Practice
Public agencies across every level of California government are subject to the CPRA. Our practice covers the full spectrum of public bodies — no matter how large or how resistant they may be. The opportunity to recover fees in these cases also gives us greater flexibility to structure fee arrangements with our clients.
Municipalities, city councils, city managers, county boards of supervisors, and local administrative bodies across California.
University of California campuses, California State University system, community college districts, and their departments and foundations.
K–12 public school districts, charter schools authorized by public agencies, and county offices of education.
California executive branch departments, boards, commissions, and offices — from CalTrans to CDPH to the Public Utilities Commission.
Police departments, sheriff's offices, district attorneys, and other law enforcement bodies, including SB 1421 and AB 748 disclosures.
Water districts, transit authorities, housing authorities, redevelopment successor agencies, and other special-purpose public bodies.
What We Do
We provide legal support at every stage of the public records process.
Requests drafted with precision to maximize the scope of responsive records, anticipate agency objections, and build a strong record from the outset.
We analyze agency responses for improper withholding, legally deficient exemption claims, unlawful delay, and procedural violations.
Targeted legal correspondence that often resolves disputes without litigation — and creates a stronger record for court if needed.
Full-service litigation in California superior courts to compel disclosure, challenge improper exemptions, and vindicate your statutory rights.
California law allows prevailing requesters to recover attorney's fees. We pursue fee awards to hold agencies accountable. The opportunity to recover fees in these cases also gives us greater flexibility to structure fee arrangements with our clients.
Common Questions
Get In Touch
If you have submitted a public records request, received a denial, or are considering litigation, we want to hear from you. Initial consultations are confidential and free of charge.
All submissions are confidential. We respond within one business day.
* Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not include highly sensitive information until we have confirmed representation. All communications are treated as confidential.
A member of our team will be in touch with you soon to discuss your matter.