City Attorney’s Office organizational structure

Duties of the City Attorney’s Office

The City Attorney, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the City Council, is mandated to provide legal services to the various officials and departments of the City of Santa Ana.

The powers and duties of the City Attorney include appearing in litigation on behalf of the City and its officials; drafting all ordinances, resolutions and contracts; and advising officials and employees on all matters of law pertaining to official duties.

The Santa Ana City Attorney is also empowered to prosecute violations of municipal and state law on behalf of the People of the State of California.

Purpose, vision, and goals

Purpose

Our purpose is to advance and protect the legal interests of the City through services exemplified by respect, integrity and professionalism.

Vision

To be a value-added resource, respected for its high quality legal expertise, which contributes to the development and implementation of City policies and protects the City’s legal interests.

Goals

Constantly improve the quality and effectiveness of our services through communication and education of our clients. Maintain a work environment which fosters teamwork, excellence, and professional development. Remain knowledgeable regarding advances and developments in the law. Network within the municipal law community in order to further Santa Ana’s interests.

Organizational structure

The Santa Ana City Attorney’s Office is composed of nine attorneys and five paralegals.

The office is divided into two work groups built around particular fields of practice or responsibility: Land Use & Development Services, and General Counsel & Litigation Service.

Land Use & Development Services group

This group provides advisory and litigation services to the various land use and development oriented agencies, boards and commissions of the City, primarily the Planning & Building Agency & the Community Development Agency. This group is also responsible for the prosecution of violations of the Santa Ana Municipal Code.

General Counsel & Litigation Services group

This group is responsible for providing a wide range of legal services to the balance of City agencies, boards and commissions including the Santa Ana Police Department, the Public Works Agency, the Management and Finance Services Agency and the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency. Additionally, the Group manages all tort/civil liability litigation and provides support and assistance to the Risk Management Division of the Human Resources Agency.