Joel Mason

Joel Mason is a seasoned attorney with more than 25 years of experience representing public agencies in labor and employment law, internal investigations, and complex civil litigation. As a trusted advisor and advocate, Joel brings strategic insight and practical solutions to public sector clients navigating high stakes matters in governance, personnel management, and regulatory compliance. 

Mr. Mason’s practice spans the full spectrum of public employment law, including advising on collective bargaining, disciplinary actions, and labor negotiations. He has served as co-chief negotiator on multiple collective bargaining agreements, helping clients achieve favorable outcomes while preserving collaborative labor relations. His litigation experience includes trial and appellate work, including arguing a case of first impression before the California Fourth District Court of Appeal regarding the imposition of fact-finding under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA). 

He is frequently called upon to guide clients through sensitive internal and external investigations, including those involving alleged misconduct, personnel issues, and law enforcement coordination. He advises on compliance with state and federal laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Fair Housing Act (FHA), and has personally conducted investigations in these areas. 

Joel also represents school districts and public agencies in litigation defense, governance matters, and special education law. He has presented at regional and statewide seminars on school law, special education, and pupil records management, and has co-led executive trainings for agencies such as the San Diego Housing Commission. 

He earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 1999, where he served as Associate Editor of the Berkeley Journal of Employment and Labor Law and was a member of the Berkeley Technology Law Journal. He received his B.A. from San Diego State University in 1989.