Jennifer McGrath is new county counsel

Mariposa County welcomed Jennifer McGrath as its new County Counsel on June 29.

McGrath brings more than three decades of municipal law experience to the position. She previously served for 12 years as the elected city attorney for the city of Huntington Beach after six years as the city’s deputy city attorney.

In those roles, she advised the city council, executive leadership and departments across the organization on a wide range of legal matters, including land use, public safety, public works, personnel and regulatory compliance. She also managed a team of six to eight attorneys and six support staff.

Most recently, McGrath operated a private law practice serving cities, counties and businesses throughout California. Her practice focused on government law, land use, permitting, licensing, regulatory compliance, administrative hearings, litigation, risk management and related municipal legal matters.

Throughout her career, McGrath has drafted ordinances, resolutions and policies governing land use, development, procurement, permitting and administrative enforcement.

She has also advised boards and commissions, provided ethics training for public officials and helped organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory issues.

McGrath earned her Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, where she graduated in the top 5 percent of her class. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

McGrath succeeds Kevin Briggs, who has served as acting county counsel and risk manager since August 2025. Briggs will return to his previous position as assistant county counsel.