Amy K. Tinetti
Principal | Shareholder
PRACTICE AREAS
HOA Governance & Transactions | Director & Industry Education
High-Rise Representation | Developer Transition
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Amy K. Tinetti
Principal | Shareholder
PRACTICE AREAS
HOA Governance & Transactions | Director & Industry Education
High-Rise Representation | Developer Transition
Award-winning HOA legal guru.
Areas of Expertise
- Governing document analysis, interpretation, revision and enforcement
- Elections
- Fair housing
- Drafting, review and analysis of vendor agreements
- Real property and title issues
- Special assessments
- Member disputes
Amy’s not a just good CID lawyer; she’s one of the best. Of the thousands of attorneys practicing community association law nationwide, fewer than 200 have been granted admission into the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). Amy is one of just seven Northern California attorneys who has earned this distinction. Only those attorneys who demonstrate the highest level of skill, experience and standard of professional and ethical conduct receive this honor.
Since 2004, Amy has counseled homeowner associations in all aspects of their corporate operations and has found a perfect niche. “I think if I wasn’t doing this, I wouldn’t be a lawyer,” declares Amy. “I found the right thing for me.”
The people-focused aspect of this area of law is exactly makes it such a good fit. In addition to her outgoing nature and approachability, Amy genuinely likes helping people. “This isn’t some nebulous idea or theory; it’s about people’s houses, their homes. I appreciate how important these issues are to our clients.”
Experience & Background
- Fellow of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL)
- Name added to firm upon becoming a Shareholder in 2017
- With HGCT since 2007; representing HOAs since 2004
- Prior to 2004, litigated medical malpractice, insurance defense, as well as business, commercial real estate, and insurance coverage matters
- Frequent speaker, author and contributor for trade organizations and community associations events and publications on the local, state and national level
Industry Involvement
Community Associations Institute (CAI), National
- Board of Governors, College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) (2022 to present)
- Judge, Chapter Achievement and Excellence Awards (2016)
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter
- Co-chair, Education Committee (2015 to present)
- Chair, Legislative Support Committee (2014 to 2018)
- President (2013)
- Board of Directors (2 terms; 2010 to 2015)
- Co-chair, co-editor, The Communicator (2014)
- Chair, Annual Awards and Holiday Party Committee (2012 to 2015)
Community Associations Institute (CAI), California Legislative Action Committee
- Bay Area/Central California Chapter Delegate (2015 to present)
- Legal Strategy and Research Committee (2017 to 2018)
- Case Law Update Committee (2016 to 2017)
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
- Credentialing Advisory Committee (2018 to present)
- Credentialing faculty (2013 to present)
- Annual Law Seminar Legal Advisory Steering Committee (2014 to 2016)
- Guest Editor, Law Journal (Fall 2014, Winter 2015)
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)
Education
Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, Georgia
- Notes and Comments Editor, Emory Law Journal
University of California, San Diego
- BA in Communication
Bar Admissions
California
Northern District of California
GET TO KNOW AMY
Previously worked in advertising and public relations, receiving “PR campaign of the year” for her team’s WD-40 campaign. Brain is a pop culture sponge. Has seen every 80’s hair band in concert. Is proud of her long-term friendships, with many close friends dating back to elementary school. Amy’s boys say she is the best mom in the world.
FUN FACTS:
- Wicked sense of humor
- High school cheerleader and homecoming princess
- Has a dog named Buster Posey
Collects metal lunch boxes, sea glass, and floaty pens.
Awards & Honors
- 2022 Northern California Super Lawyers®
- Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL)
Community Associations Institute (CAI), 2018 - 2018 President’s Award
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter - 2018 Best Manuscript
“Bucking the Trends: The Impact of Legislative Trends on Community Association Governance”
Community Association Law Seminar
College of Community Association Lawyers
Community Associations Institute (CAI) - 2015 President’s Award
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter - 2015 Executive Director’s Award
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Presentations & Publications
What’s the Difference Between Directors and Officers?
- The Communicator; Summer 2017
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Short Term Rentals
- Channels of Communication; Third Quarter 2016
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Channel Islands Chapter
Towing Vehicles in a CID
- The Communicator; Summer 2014
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Hot Topics and Trends in Community Association Law
- National Conference and Expo; May 2019
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
New Board Member Orientation
- Board Training Webinar; April 2019
Associa Northern California
Getting and Handle on Older CC&R Violations
- Educational Forum and Expo; April 2019
Community Associations Institute (CAI), Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Running a Community Association Law Practice
- National Community Association Law Seminar, Panelist; January 2019
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Rules and Regulations: Oh, the Rules We Need
- Northern California Legal Forum; September 2018
California Legal Forum; October 2018
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Get the Legal Low Down: What You Need to be Compliant Now and in the Coming Months
- Annual Board Seminar; September 2018
Associa Northern California
Things Your Managers Don’t Know About Elections
- Management Company CEO Conference; September 2018
Levy Erlanger & Company, CPAs
PSA Regarding ESAs: How Can You Protect All Sides of This “Furry” Situation
- Attorney Connection Webinar Series; August 2018
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! Dealing with Companion Animals and Pets in Your Community
- Educational Lunch; May 2018
Community Associations Institute, California North Chapter - Educational Lunch; February 2018
Community Associations Institute, Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Reasonable Accommodations – Is “No” an Option?
- Modesto Educational Forum and Expo; April 2018
Community Associations Institute, Bay Area/Central California Chapter - Silicon Coast Educational Forum and Expo; October 2017
Community Associations Institute, Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Let Me Tell You ‘bout My Best Friend: How to Best Utilize Your Association’s Attorney
- North Bay Educational Forum and Expo; March 2018
Community Associations Institute, Bay Area/Central California Chapter
New Laws for 2018
- Wine Country Educational Forum; March 2018
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)
Bucking the Trends: The Impact of Legislative Trends on Community Association Governance
- National Community Association Law Seminar; January 2018
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Eleven Years After SB 61 – 11 Advanced Voting and Election Issues
- California Legal Forum; October 2017
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Case Studies
Ask the Attorney
- California High Rise Summit; October 2018, 2017, 2016
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
(Not So) Basic Training for Board Members
- Annual Educational Conference and Expo; September 2017
Community Associations Institute, Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Disability Access Requests
- Annual Trade Show and Seminar; June 2017
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)
California Common Interest Development Law Course
- Manager Certification Course; May 2017, June 2016
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Legislative Day at the Capitol; April 2017, 2016
Community Associations Institute (CAI), California Legislative Action Committee
Short Term Rentals – Long Term Enforcement Strategies
- California Legal Forum; October 2016
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Election Horror Stories – 10 Years Later
- Management Company CEO Conference; September 2016
Levy Erlanger & Company, CPAs
Don’t Fear the Reaper – 13 Scary Situations for Associations to Avoid
- Annual Educational Conference and Expo; September 2016
Community Associations Institute, Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Short Term Rentals
- CEO Business Forum; June 2016
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
Know Your Boundaries: How to Prevent the Unauthorized Practice of Law by Managers
- National Educational Webinar; April 2016
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Wrestling with Rentals in the 21st Century
- Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; February 2016
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
The Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality in Community Associations
- National Community Association Law Seminar; January 2016
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Implementation of Drought Legislation and New Internal Dispute Resolution Legislation
- Legislative Day at the Capitol; April 2015
Community Associations Institute (CAI), California Legislative Action Committee
Fair Housing Follies: Don’t be Another Story
- Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2015
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
How to Use Internal and Alternative Dispute Resolution to Resolve Complicated Emotional Issues in Your Association
- Educational Lunch; June 2014
Community Associations Institute, Bay Area/Central California Chapter
Email and Social Media
- Northern California Law Seminar and Expo; January 2014
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
Balancing the Three S’s – Safety, Security and Surveillance
- California Legal Forum; October 2013
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
Every Association Needs Election Rules – But Why?
- ECHO Journal; March 2013
Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)
Various Law Modules
- Instructor – core courses required for Certified Community Association Manager (“CCAM”) designation; 2013 to present
California Association of Community Managers (CACM)
Board Member Education
Management Company and Board Education Events
- New Legislation and Case Law Update
- Fiduciary Duty, Safe Harbor and Challenges Facing Voluntary Directors
- Board Orientation for Managers
- Open Meeting Act
- Contract Review and Negotiation
- Myth of Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disputes
- Fair Housing – What Managers Need to Know
- Reasonable Accommodations
- Election Rules – What are They Good For?
- Short Term Rentals in Associations – Airbnb, VRBO
- Rules and Regulations
- Dealing with Difficult People
- Parking and Towing
- Rules Enforcement
- Use of Email, Websites and Social Media in Your Association