Julia Sylva

Julia Sylva serves as an Adjunct Professor at Southwestern Law School since 2017, bringing over thirty years of experience as an elected public official and policy-maker. Founder of The Law Offices of Julia Sylva, she is nationally recognized for expertise in cannabis regulation and municipal law.

Her educational foundation includes:

• B.A. in Political Science with Public Administration minor, California State University, Long Beach (1977)
• J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (1983)

Professor Sylva's research centers on cannabis law and land use entitlements, where she advises public entities on regulatory frameworks and represents commercial cannabis businesses. Her scholarship extends to municipal governance, examining ethics laws, the Brown Act (open meetings), and California's initiative process. She bridges academic rigor with practical policy development through frequent collaborations with elected officials.

Her publication trajectory reveals growing specialization in cannabis regulation since 2016, complemented by enduring analysis of local government structures. Early works focused on municipal finance and ethics, evolving into nuanced examinations of federal-state-local conflicts in emerging industries.

Professional recognition includes:

• AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell (highest tier for legal ability and ethics)

Through her active law practice and community engagement, Professor Sylva maintains direct connections with policymakers that inform her teaching. She regularly contributes to industry discussions as a panelist for the Los Angeles County Bar Association and Pincus Pro Ed, translating real-world regulatory challenges into classroom insights.