SBEMP Attorneys has announced that Phaedra Norton, Esq., has joined the firm as an Of Counsel attorney in its Public Agency and Municipal Law Department. With more than 27 years of experience dedicated exclusively to municipal law, Norton brings significant depth and insight to the firm’s growing practice.
Norton’s distinguished career most recently includes serving as City Attorney for the City of Riverside, California’s 12th largest municipality. In that role, she led a legal team of more than 40 attorneys and staff, advising the City Council, City Manager, and departments on a wide range of complex legal matters, including public finance, land use, labor relations, and governance compliance. Her legal guidance also extended to the city’s Public Financing Authority, Housing Authority, and Housing Successor Agency, where she played a critical role in advancing major public infrastructure, housing, and redevelopment initiatives.
Before her tenure in Riverside, Norton served as City Attorney for the cities of Merced and Turlock, and as Contract City Attorney for the City of Newman. She also held general counsel roles for several joint powers authorities and regional boards, including those focused on water, public safety, and risk-sharing across multiple jurisdictions. Her work has consistently focused on the legal issues most vital to California’s local governments, including compliance with the Brown Act and Public Records Act, environmental and CEQA matters, economic development, public contracting, and litigation oversight.
Known for her collaborative approach and practical legal insight, Norton has built a statewide reputation as a trusted advisor to public agency leadership. She is highly regarded for her ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects while maintaining a strong commitment to transparency, sound governance, and effective service delivery.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Phaedra to SBEMP,” said Lena Wade, Chairperson of the firm’s Public Agency and Municipal Law Department. “She brings unmatched experience, a deep understanding of local government law, and a professional style that aligns perfectly with our culture of client-focused counsel. Her presence strengthens our ability to serve the growing needs of public agencies across the Coachella Valley, the Inland Empire, and beyond.”
Norton expressed enthusiasm about joining SBEMP, stating, “This firm has long been known for its dedication to excellence and its commitment to the communities it serves. I’m excited to be part of a team that values strategic thinking, practical solutions, and strong relationships with its public agency clients.”
With offices in Indian Wells, Palm Springs, Orange County, and San Diego, SBEMP Attorneys is one of Southern California’s leading full-service law firms, offering a broad range of legal services to public agencies, businesses, and individuals. The firm’s Public Agency and Municipal Law Department provides comprehensive legal support to cities, special districts, and joint powers authorities throughout California.
Founded in 1995, SBEMP Attorneys is the largest full-service law firm headquartered in the Coachella Valley. With offices in Indian Wells, Palm Springs, San Diego, Orange County, New York and New Jersey, the firm offers a full range of legal services to public agencies, businesses, and individuals. SBEMP’s Public Agency and Municipal Law Department represents cities, special districts, and joint powers authorities throughout California, advising on governance, land use, environmental law, labor and employment, finance, and other related matters.
