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Overview

With a focus on public law, Sebastian advises local governments and other public entities, as well as clients who do business with the government.

Sebastian has experience counseling both public and private clients regarding a wide range of matters, including land use and development regulation, municipal finance, redistricting and elections, and Freedom of Information Act and Public Information Act disclosure. He has also assisted in the handling of complex litigation involving challenging questions of constitutional law and governmental structure, statutory interpretation, administrative law, and federal jurisdiction and procedure.

Sebastian previously served as an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Charlottesville, Virginia. His years in Charlottesville gave him an in-depth understanding of local government and the unique concerns and challenges with which local officials routinely grapple. He knows how public officials and entities think and operate, positioning him well to represent both local governments and those who need to do business with them. Sebastian’s experience in Charlottesville also taught him how outside counsel can play a critical role in supporting public client needs.

He has served as a law clerk to Judge Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge Janis L. Sammartino of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • International Municipal Lawyers Association, IMLA Amicus Service Award, 2024
  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, Honors, 2023

Education

  • J.D., Boston College Law School
    • summa cum laude
    • Order of the Coif
    • Boston College Law Review, Articles Editor
  • A.B., University of Chicago
    • General Honors

Admissions

  • Texas
  • California
  • Virginia
  • District of Columbia

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • State Bar of Texas, Government Law Section
  • Houston Bar Association, Appellate Practice Section
  • Federalist Society, Houston Lawyers Chapter
  • International Municipal Lawyers Association

Clerkships

  • Hon. Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit          
  • Hon. Janis L. Sammartino, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Languages

  • Spanish, fluent
2023 Pro Bono Champion
Experience
  • As Assistant City Attorney for Charlottesville, provided advice to local officials regarding Virginia municipal law, including constitutional law, land use planning and development regulation, municipal finance, and Freedom of Information Act disclosure.
  • As Assistant City Attorney for Charlottesville, managed litigation in multiple forums arising out of August 2017 protest events.
  • Researched and drafted briefs in support of campaign finance, redistricting and election litigation in federal courts, including amicus briefs in pending U.S. Supreme Court cases.
  • Researched and drafted materials in support of discovery and motion practice in land use litigation.
  • Researched and drafted memoranda in support of motion practice in complex commercial disputes, including securities and corporate governance litigation, consumer class action litigation and international arbitration.
  • Managed discovery in complex cases, including drafting interrogatories and requests for production of documents, drafting objections and responses to discovery requests and preparing deposition outlines.
Outside the Office

With two young children, Sebastian spends most of his free time with his family. They enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, hiking and exploring national parks. Before their recent move to Texas, Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains were a favorite destination; they’re now looking forward to adventures in their new state.