The City Attorney’s Office serves as the legal department of the City of San Mateo.  The attorneys in the office provide legal advice and representation to the city council, the city’s boards and commissions, and to the staff of the various city departments.

Typical responsibilities include: 

• Providing legal counsel to the City Council and the various boards and commissions on the laws applicable to their decision-making;
• Assisting the City Council and the city departments in the development and drafting of city laws and policies;
• Advising the various city departments on laws applicable to their operations to achieve compliance with state and federal requirements;
• Reviewing and drafting contracts for the purchase of goods, services, and public works construction projects;
• Providing for the representation of the city and its officials and employees in administrative and court matters either directly or through the use of outside counsel; and
• Representing the city in administrative and court proceedings to enforce city laws.

The City Attorney is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the San Mateo City Council.  The City Attorney supervises three assistant city attorneys and administrative support staff. 

You may contact the City Attorney’s Office by calling (650) 522-7020, or by email at CityAttorneysOffice@cityofsanmateo.org.