Newsletter

The California JPIA Celebrates Longtime Liability Panel Attorney and Instructor Scott Grossberg

Scott Grossberg, who began consulting for the Authority in 1989, retired in November after 36 years of service to our members. Grossberg’s professional journey has been marked by a staunch commitment to public service.

After earning his undergraduate degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of La Verne College of Law in 1986.

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His work with the Authority naturally began from his early experience handling major litigation and training with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Through his work with the Sheriff’s, he met a police chief from a California JPIA member agency.

“From that initial introduction, my work expanded across the membership. I found myself serving on the liability attorney panel, speaking, consulting, training, and being invited into increasingly complex matters,” said Grossberg. “Over time, my partnership with the Authority became one of the most meaningful and rewarding professional relationships of my life.”

“When I was the Authority’s liability program manager, having Scott on the defense panel was truly a blessing,” said Chief Operating Officer Paul Zeglovitch. “His ability to successfully manage complex litigation, but also all of the emotion and personalities involved, was masterful.”

Throughout his career, Grossberg has represented public entities, employees, and government pooling authorities in matters spanning civil rights violations, defamation, police liability, taxpayer lawsuits, and complex multi-jurisdictional challenges. His legal opinions and contract work have addressed the intricacies of cross-jurisdictional agreements and task forces, providing innovative solutions to some of the most challenging issues facing public agencies.

Over time, he has shaped the perspectives of public agencies on liability and risk management. “When I began, the emphasis was on winning cases—often through litigation strategies. As financial risks grew and jury unpredictability increased, the philosophy shifted. Members began to see settlement not as ‘giving in,’ but as another form of strategic victory,” he said. “Helping departments make that mindset shift required patience, guidance, and honest conversations. Observing agencies adopt strategic approaches to risk management has been one of the most gratifying aspects of my career.”

A passionate educator and communicator, he has led training for the Authority, the Department of the Navy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and numerous law enforcement agencies throughout California, sharing his expertise in media relations, emerging technology, stress management, police civil liability, mandated reporter training, motivation, and police civil liability.

Grossberg has taught tens of thousands of public sector professionals, and what he has enjoyed most has been watching them transform. “Whether it was teaching meditation and mindfulness to burned-out departments, introducing new leadership approaches to elected officials, or watching entire organizations shift after my ‘Creating Raving Fans’ seminars, the real joy was witnessing people reclaim confidence, perspective, and possibility,” he said. “Teaching has always been my way of giving back—of helping people see that they are capable of more than they realize.”

“Scott is so dynamic, multifaceted, skillful, and embodies all the great qualities of a ‘showman.’ He can read people and understand how to engage with them,” said Training Manager Ryan Thomas. “Whether as a trial lawyer or as a speaker/trainer, his ability to think on his feet, adapt to the audience, and take you on a journey is truly special. We’ve all heard the cliche ‘There will never be another…,’ but in this case it’s very likely true.”

Among his many professional achievements, he has served as lead trial counsel in four published appellate decisions affirming the rights of municipalities to set aesthetic standards for wireless facilities. The landmark 2009 case, Sprint PCS, Inc. v. City of Palos Verdes Estates, is widely cited throughout California. His appellate work includes notable cases involving the cities of Needles, Dana Point, and Bishop.

The California JPIA recognizes Scott’s distinguished career and his lasting influence on risk management, legal practice, and public service throughout California.

For those interested in learning more about Grossberg’s post-retirement career, visit his website.

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