Jena Shoaf Acos

Natural resources attorney with unique expertise combining public agency work with water law. Specializes in emerging groundwater laws and implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Immersive, team-player, prioritizing a preemptive approach to representation.

Jena Acos’ practice thrives at the intersection of water and public agency law. She intimately understands how natural resource issues interrelate with the economic, social and regulatory aspects inherent in public agency work. She takes a strategic approach to breaking down problems and generating candid dialogue that is often key to resolving complex issues.

Jena’s clients include one of California’s largest water districts responsible for managing one of the state’s critically overdrafted groundwater basins. Jena advises clients on SGMA and the development of groundwater management plans. Along with institutional government entities, Jena works with various water rights holders on both small-scale and larger projects.

Jena serves as a contract city attorney for the City of Carpinteria, where she works closely with city staff to draft, review and enforce contracts and ordinances as well as navigate critical jurisdictional issues. Her work has included addressing comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals, taking on racial and social justice issues, negotiating land use matters with developers and energy companies and helping the city navigate sea-level rise, coastal access and various housing issues.