Ms. Plaza’s experience includes serving as business litigation counsel in private practice and on behalf of federal and California agencies. In addition to her 20+ years in private practice representing companies of all sizes in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles California, Ms. Plaza has represented a major city; served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Torts Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice; and as a sub-cabinet level Secretary of Housing in Washington D.C.
Ms. Plaza has served as lead counsel in all aspects of municipal law with particular emphasis on land use, contracts, redevelopment and economic development, including affordable housing and construction litigation. Ms. Plaza has advised and represented City clients and Redevelopment agencies in connection with the assembly of land for reuse and redevelopment to support significant commercial, industrial or residential development.
Ms. Plaza was appointed by President Clinton, and served from 1997 through 2001 as Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (“HUD”) in Washington, D.C. I n that position Ms. Plaza advised the Administration on policies affecting housing and represented the federal government before state and federal governmental agencies and building and banking industry groups.
Ms. Plaza administered housing programs and established policy for the design, construction, and alteration of housing and other buildings to meet HUD’s accessibility requirements. Ms. Plaza has significant experience in mortgage lending and, in her capacity as federal regulator, evaluated the performance of state and local housing enforcement agencies and of the secondary market (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). More recently, Ms. Plaza has assisted cities and non-profit entities with HUD programs.