- Home
- Government
- Departments
- City Attorney
City Attorney
Mission Statement
The City Attorney’s Office provides sound legal advice and support to City officials, working collaboratively to implement policies set by City Council, and diligently advocating the City’s interests.
Department Overview
The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council as the chief legal advisor for the City. The City Attorney’s Office advises the City Council, appointed commissions, and City staff in the conduct of City business and the preparation of legal documents and represents the City‘s interest in civil litigation and administrative proceedings.
The City Attorney’s Office advises City officials regarding actions that are authorized or required to establish, implement, and enforce City laws and policies; and prepares legal documents to implement those City laws and policies, including ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and contracts. The City-related entities represented by the City Attorney include the Housing Authority of the City of Napa, and the Public Financing Authority of the Napa Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.
- How can I obtain legal assistance?
-
If a member of the public is in need of legal assistance, guidance may be found from one of the following organizations:
- Visit the website of the Napa County Bar Association, or call 1-707-224-7971.
- Visit the website of Bay Area Legal Aid (formerly Legal Aid of Napa Valley), or call 1-707-259-0579.
- Visit the website of State Bar Lawyer Referral Service, or call, toll free, 1-866-442-2529.
- Visit the website of the California Courts Self-Help Center.
- Can members of the public obtain legal advice from the City Attorney?
-
No. The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council as the chief legal advisor for the City government, and the City Attorney provides legal advice directly to the City Council and City staff. City government services are provided to the public by City staff (implementing policy direction from the City Council, and considering legal advice form the City Attorney). Given this organizational structure, the City Attorney's Office is ethically precluded from providing legal advice directly to members of the public, under the California State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct.
- How do I submit a claim to the City?
-
If you are part of an incident for which you believe the City of Napa has caused a loss or damages to your person or personal property, you have the option of completing and filing a Claim with the City. Visit the City Clerk's Claims page for more information on claims, and please follow instructions on the Claim Form (PDF). You may personally deliver or mail the form to:
City Clerk Department
City Hall
955 School Street
Napa, 94559Claim forms can be obtained online or by coming into the City Clerk office. Please complete the form and attach any documentation (e.g. photos, repair bills, etc.) that you feel may support your claim. If you have questions regarding the filing process, or would like a claim form mailed to you, please contact the City Clerk office at 707-257-9303.