Ron Ball, the former city attorney of Carlsbad, has joined Best Best & Krieger LLP as an of counsel attorney, the firm announced today.

Ball, who retired from his Carlsbad position in December after 26 years, will practice in BB&K’s San Diego office where he will be a member of the firm’s municipal law practice group, one of the largest in California.

BB&K attorneys serve as city attorney to more than 30 cities in the state, and provide special counsel services to dozens more.

Ball has an extensive background in legal issues that affect cities. During his tenure in Carlsbad, Ball worked on several high-profile and cutting-edge legal matters, including the creation of California’s first financing district, the defense and implementation of the city’s growth management plan, the drafting of the ity’s  first development agreement for Legoland,  the drafting of the second agreement for the proposed Carlsbad desalination plant, the largest of its kind in the United States, drafting and implementing changes to Carlsbad’s city charter and participating in proceedings before the California Energy Commission.

“Ron acquired extensive expertise in the critical areas of municipal law during his distinguished career as a city attorney,” said Jeff Ballinger, head of BB&K’s municipal law practice group. “We welcome him to BB&K and look forward to working with him.”

Prior to joining Carlsbad in 1986, Ball was an attorney with Mendocino County.  He attended Stanford University earning a degree in civil engineering and the University of California, Berkeley where he obtained a master’s degree in business administration. Ball holds a law degree from the University of Santa Clara School of Law, graduating in 1977.

Ball is the California State Chair, International Municipal Lawyers’ Association. He is also a member and former director of the North County Bar Association of San Diego County, and a director and former president of the San Diego StanfordClub.

He lives in Carlsbad.