NEWS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 29, 2002

SEASONED PUBLIC FINANCE EXPERT JOINS OAKLAND CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

Oakland, CA - Oakland City Attorney John Russo announced that Michelle Sexton, a top-flight municipal finance attorney, joined the City's legal team this week. Ms. Sexton will advise the City of Oakland on public financing matters and serve as counsel to the City's Financial Services Agency.

"I'm proud that Michelle has chosen to come work with our team. Oakland is fortunate to have her experience and intelligence in its service," said Russo. "The practice of law is becoming increasingly specialized. The day of the generalist has passed in the public sector as in the private sector. Michelle's expertise is a critical addition to our office."

Ms. Sexton received her law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. During law school she served as an extern for California Supreme Court Justice Stanley Mosk.

After graduation Ms. Sexton joined the Public Finance Department of the San Francisco law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, one of the nation's premier bond firms. Ms. Sexton represented investment banking firms and state and local governments, primarily in connection with financing of water and clean water enterprises, port facilities, housing development, co-generation facilities and pollution control facilities.

After eight years with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Ms. Sexton joined the San Francisco City Attorney's Office, where she worked for five years. As Head Counsel, Ms. Sexton supervised San Francisco's Finance Team. Her team represented the City and County of San Francisco in financing various capital improvement projects; analyzing, structuring, and negotiating complex transactions; advising elected officials on ballot initiatives and legislative actions; and preparing legislation relating to bond measures for submission to the voters.

Ms. Sexton also has served as a panelist at educational seminars such as the League of California Cities and International Municipal Lawyer Association conferences.

"I am excited about joining the Oakland City Attorney's Office," said Sexton, "I look forward to working with the City of Oakland and its many agencies and becoming a contributing member of this outstanding team."