Table of contents:
City Attorney’s Office Overview
The City Attorney’s Office is the legal advisor to the City and County of San Francisco. The Office represents the City in all legal matters, including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, and administrative hearings. The City Attorney also provides legal advice to the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, and other City departments and agencies.
The City Attorney’s Office was established in 1850, the same year that San Francisco was incorporated as a city. The first City Attorney was John W. Geary, who later became the 15th Mayor of San Francisco. Over the years, the City Attorney’s Office has grown in size and scope, and it now has a staff of over 200 attorneys.
The City Attorney’s Office is organized into several divisions, including the Civil Division, the Criminal Division, the Administrative Law Division, and the Appeals Division. Each division is headed by a Deputy City Attorney, who reports to the City Attorney.
The current City Attorney of San Francisco is David Chiu. Chiu was elected in 2019, and he is the first Asian American to hold the office.
Legal Services Provided
The City Attorney’s Office provides a comprehensive range of legal services to the city government, its departments, and the residents of San Francisco.
These services support the city’s operations, protect the interests of its residents, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Representing the city in lawsuits and other legal proceedings, including civil rights, employment, and environmental cases.
- Advising city officials on legal risks and strategies in litigation matters.
- Negotiating settlements and resolving disputes to minimize costs and protect the city’s interests.
Legal Counseling and Advice
Providing legal guidance to city departments and officials on a wide range of issues, including land use, contracts, and public records.
Reviewing and drafting legislation, ordinances, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with the law.
Policy Development and Review
Collaborating with city departments and elected officials to develop and review policies that align with the city’s goals and legal obligations.
Ensuring that policies are consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
Public Advocacy
Representing the interests of San Francisco residents in legal proceedings and policy matters.
Enforcing consumer protection laws and advocating for the rights of tenants and other vulnerable populations.
Advocacy and Representation
The City Attorney’s Office serves as the legal counsel and advocate for the City and County of San Francisco. In this capacity, the office plays a vital role in protecting the city’s interests and ensuring its smooth functioning.
The City Attorney’s Office is responsible for initiating and defending lawsuits on behalf of the city. The office’s attorneys represent the city in a wide range of legal matters, including:
- Civil rights
- Employment law
- Environmental law
- Land use and zoning
- Public finance
The office’s attorneys work closely with city officials to develop legal strategies and tactics that will best protect the city’s interests. They also work with outside counsel when necessary to ensure that the city has the best possible legal representation.
Initiating Lawsuits
The City Attorney’s Office may initiate a lawsuit on behalf of the city when it believes that the city’s rights or interests have been violated. The office will typically conduct a thorough investigation before filing a lawsuit to ensure that the city has a strong case.
Defending Lawsuits
The City Attorney’s Office also defends the city against lawsuits filed by other parties. The office’s attorneys will work to dismiss the lawsuit or to obtain a favorable settlement for the city.
Litigation Strategies
The City Attorney’s Office uses a variety of strategies and tactics in litigation, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The office’s attorneys may:
- File motions to dismiss the lawsuit
- Conduct discovery to gather evidence
- Negotiate settlements
- Try cases before a judge or jury
The City Attorney’s Office is committed to providing the best possible legal representation to the City and County of San Francisco. The office’s attorneys are experienced and skilled litigators who are dedicated to protecting the city’s interests.
Policy Development and Advice
The City Attorney’s Office serves as the primary legal advisor to the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, and other city departments and agencies. In this role, the office provides legal guidance on a wide range of issues, including the interpretation of laws and ordinances, the drafting and review of legislation, and the development of city policies.
The process of drafting and reviewing legislation begins with a request from a city official or department. The City Attorney’s Office then works with the requesting party to develop a draft of the proposed legislation. Once the draft is complete, it is reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office for legal sufficiency and consistency with existing laws and ordinances.
The City Attorney’s Office also provides legal advice on the development of city policies. This advice may include guidance on the legal implications of proposed policies, as well as recommendations for how to implement policies in a manner that is consistent with the law.
Examples of Legal Advice
- The City Attorney’s Office advised the Mayor on the legal implications of a proposed ordinance to regulate short-term rentals. The advice provided by the office helped the Mayor to understand the legal risks and benefits of the proposed ordinance and to make an informed decision about whether to support it.
- The City Attorney’s Office advised the Board of Supervisors on the legal requirements for the adoption of a new zoning ordinance. The advice provided by the office helped the Board to understand the legal process for adopting a new zoning ordinance and to ensure that the ordinance was adopted in a manner that was consistent with the law.
Community Outreach and Engagement
The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is committed to engaging with the community and providing legal information and assistance to residents. Through various programs and initiatives, the office aims to promote access to justice and equity for all.
Community Legal Education and Outreach
The City Attorney’s Office offers free legal workshops, presentations, and resources to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities. These programs cover a wide range of legal topics, including housing, employment, immigration, and consumer protection.
Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program
The Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program (NLAP) provides free legal services to low-income San Francisco residents. NLAP attorneys represent clients in a variety of legal matters, including landlord-tenant disputes, family law issues, and immigration proceedings.
Street Law Program
The Street Law Program teaches high school students about the law and their rights. Students learn about criminal justice, civil rights, and how to resolve conflicts peacefully. The program aims to empower young people and encourage civic engagement.
Language Access Program
The Language Access Program ensures that non-English speaking residents have access to legal services. The office provides interpreters in over 100 languages and offers translated legal documents and resources.
Community Advisory Committee
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) provides input to the City Attorney on legal issues affecting the community. The CAC is composed of representatives from various community organizations and advocates for social justice and equity.
Key Challenges and Future Directions
The City Attorney’s Office in San Francisco faces several key challenges that will shape its future direction. These include:
To address these challenges and shape the future of the office, the City Attorney’s Office is exploring potential strategies and initiatives, including:
Emerging Legal Issues and Trends
The City Attorney’s Office must stay abreast of emerging legal issues and trends that will impact its work. These include:
- The increasing use of technology and the resulting legal implications.
- The changing landscape of environmental law.
- The growing importance of social justice issues.
Strategies and Initiatives
The City Attorney’s Office is exploring a range of strategies and initiatives to address the challenges it faces and shape its future. These include:
- Investing in technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Partnering with other city agencies and community organizations to address social justice issues.
- Developing new legal strategies to address emerging legal issues and trends.
