Contact

Provide legal advice to the Mayor and City Council, City commissions and employees in the course and scope of their employment or official duties
Review and prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, and other legal documents
Provide legal assistance concerning City operations and procedures
Represent the City in litigation, administrative hearings, and other legal matters
Oversee work done by outside counsel on behalf of the City
Prosecute violations of the Municipal Code

Specific areas of the law that are addressed by the attorneys in the office include:

Administrative
Code enforcement
Constitutional
Employment
Environmental
Land use/real estate

Although the City Attorney’s Office is part of a governmental entity that provides services to the public, its client is the City of Brentwood, as an organization, and the attorneys are legally and ethically precluded from providing legal advice to members of the community. In addition, State law prevents the attorneys from prosecuting most violations of California law, such as the Penal and Vehicle Codes.

FAQs

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Can I obtain personal legal advice from the City Attorney’s Office?
No. The City Attorney is legally and ethically prohibited from representing individuals in private legal matters. The City Attorney’s Office only represents the City of Brentwood as an entity, and its officials and employees in the course and scope of their employment or official duties.
Who does the City Attorney work for?
The City Attorney works for the City of Brentwood, as a government entity. He or she is appointed by the governing body of the City of Brentwood, the City Council, and serves at their pleasure. The authority and function of the City Attorney is set forth in Brentwood Municipal Code Chapter 2.37.
Can you recommend a lawyer?
No, as that could be construed as providing legal advice to someone who was not a client of the City Attorney’s Office. If you are in need of a lawyer, here are a few agencies that may assist you with an attorney referral.
- Contra Costa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (925) 825-5700
- Bay Area Legal Aid: (510) 250-5270 or (925) 219-3325
- State Bar of California
- Law Help California
What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?
The City Attorney is appointed by the City of Brentwood City Council. He or she provides legal advice and services to the City Council and its commissions; as well as City officers and employees in the course and scope of their employment or official duties. The District Attorney is an elected County official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activities throughout Contra Costa County. The District Attorney’s Office can be reached at (925) 957-2200.
Where can I make a complaint against a business?
You may contact the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau accepts consumer-business complaints alleging misrepresentation in advertising or a problem with a company’s goods or services. They can be reached at (866) 411-2221.
Where can I find information about a legal problem regarding a purchase?
You may contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210.
Does your office handle landlord-tenant issues?
No. Landlord-tenant issues are private civil matters over which the City has no jurisdiction. For general questions, you may contact the Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity at (855) 275-3246.
Does your office prosecute traffic violations?
No. Traffic violations are either handled directly with the courts or are prosecuted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office at (925) 957-2200.
Where can I find information about child support?
You may contact:

Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services
50 Douglas Drive, Suite 100
Martinez, CA 94553
(866) 901-3212
Where can I find information regarding small claims court?
You may contact:

Pittsburg Superior Court
1000 Center Drive
Pittsburg, CA 94565
(925) 646-4099
Who do I call to report a possible crime?
Reports or complaints concerning any violation of State law occurring in the City of Brentwood should be made to the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911. If the matter is an emergency, call 911.
Who do I call to report a City Municipal Code violation?
Reports or complaints concerning violations of the City of Brentwood Municipal Code should be made to the Community Enrichment Division of the Community Development Department at (925) 516-5405.
Can I review or obtain copies of public records maintained by the City of Brentwood?
To review or obtain copies of public records, it is recommended that you send your request, either orally or in writing, to

City Clerk
150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 516-5440
How do I file a claim against the City for personal injury or property damage?
Submit the Liability Claim Form to the Human Resources Department by mail or in person.