James has formed numerous corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships, and currently represents many of those business entities. He also represents wholesale and retail water purveyors and various public agencies throughout Southern California.

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Through his work with public sector clients, James has gained particular expertise in rate setting, including compliance with Propositions 26 and 218, in drafting and negotiation of legislation, in municipal finance and with CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). His experience includes providing advice to clients concerning short-term operational issues, as well as long-range business planning.

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James serves, or has served, as General Counsel for the Walnut Valley Water District, Palmdale Water District, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, Puente Basin Water Agency, Santa Rosa Regional Resources Authority, Spadra Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, Pico Water District and numerous mutual water companies, and as Assistant General Counsel for various other public and private water suppliers. He serves as General Counsel to the California Rural Water Association, the California Association of Mutual Water Companies (“Cal. Mutuals”) and the Cal. Mutuals Joint Powers Risk Management and Insurance Authority. He also has served as General Counsel for several computer software consulting firms.

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James assists clients with various real estate matters, including purchases, sales and exchanges; development, entitlement and financing issues; easement and boundary matters; and representation of homeowners associations. He also has represented various business entities with respect to formation, financing, operational issues, stock and asset sales, labor and employment matters, litigation and dissolution. He has completed numerous municipal debt issuances and State Revolving Fund grant and loan financings.

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James is active in civic affairs, currently serving as a committee chair and member of the Board of Directors for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, and as a member of the Pasadena Optimist Club. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Hahamongna Operating Company for the City of Pasadena and the Executive Committee of the Southern California Rugby Football Union, and is a founding coach of the Pasadena Pythons Youth Rugby Club. Mr. Ciampa is a member of the Pasadena, Los Angeles County and California Bar Associations, and the Italian-American Lawyers Association.