Hanson Bridgett's newest real estate partner in Walnut Creek, California, has an insider's view of how the city makes land use decisions: She used to be its mayor.

Kristina Lawson joined Hanson Bridgett this week from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, where she practiced full-time as a partner while holding the top post in the East Bay suburb's government. She sat on Walnut Creek's city council from 2010 to 2014 and served as mayor for the final year of that term. (As in many small California cities, Walnut Creek's council members take turns occupying the mayor's office.)

Lawson specializes in California Environmental Quality Act compliance, along with other land use matters. She said her time in the mayor's chair has helped her guide clients through the sometimes lengthy process of getting a project approved.