The Civil Department of the City Attorney’s Office serves as general counsel to the City of Alameda. Under the direction of the City Attorney, who is appointed by the City Council, the Department’s attorneys advise and represent the City Council, the City’s boards and commissions, the City Manager, and all City departments, including Alameda Municipal Power.
What we do
Legal Advice
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Litigation
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Documents and Transactions
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• Attend City Council meetings and advise the Council, boards and commissions, and City officers on whether matters before them are legally sound
• Advise City departments on a broad range of municipal law issues, including land use and CEQA, housing, real property and tidelands, public contracting and public works, public utilities, elections, the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, ethics and conflicts of interest, and personnel
• Advise on the reuse and redevelopment of Alameda Point (the former Naval Air Station Alameda) |
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• Represent the City in state and federal court and in administrative proceedings
• File litigation on the City’s behalf and defend the City against personal injury, employment, civil rights, contract, land use, constitutional, and other claims and litigation
• Work with City departments to reduce the City’s exposure to claims, litigation, and risk |
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• Draft and review City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, deeds, and other legal instruments
• Advise City staff on negotiating real estate, development, and other complex transactions |
Legal help for the public
We represent the City, not individual residents. The City Attorney’s Office represents the City of Alameda as a municipal entity. It cannot provide legal advice to, or represent, residents, businesses, or other members of the public.
If you need legal help, the organizations and agencies below may be able to assist you. These links are provided for convenience and information only. Listing an organization does not mean the City of Alameda endorses or approves it, or its products, services, or opinions.
Resources
Organization
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Phone
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How they can help
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2-1-1 Alameda County
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2-1-1
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Free, confidential, 24/7 referrals for housing, emergency shelter, and health and human services.
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Alameda County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
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(510) 302-2222
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Referrals to qualified local attorneys for an initial consultation.
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Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP)
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(510) 241-4011
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Rapid response and legal help for immigrants facing ICE enforcement or detention.
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Bay Area Legal Aid
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(800) 551-5554
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Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents.
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Centro Legal de la Raza
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(510) 437-1554
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Free legal services for low-income tenants.
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ECHO Housing
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(888) 887-3246
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Tenant/landlord counseling and mediation of housing disputes.
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Eviction Defense Center
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(510) 452-4541
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Legal help for tenants facing eviction.
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Family Violence Law Center
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(510) 208-0220
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Free legal and support services for survivors of family violence in Alameda County.
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Legal Access Alameda
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(510) 302-2222
option 4
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Free legal clinics for low-income residents on family law, bankruptcy, housing, and other issues.
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Legal Assistance for Seniors
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(510) 832-3040
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Free legal help and representation for Alameda County seniors.
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SEEDS Community Resolution Center
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(510) 548-2377
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Community mediation and conflict-resolution services.
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Hotlines
Hotline
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Phone
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What it’s for
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Alameda County Adult Protective Services
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(866) 225-5277
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24/7 line to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of seniors and dependent adults.
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Alameda County Behavioral Health ACCESS Line
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(800) 491-9099
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Screening and referrals for mental health and substance use services.
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Alameda County Child Abuse Hotline
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(510) 259-1800
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24/7 line to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
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Alameda County Family Justice Center
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(510) 267-8800
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One-stop center for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse, and trafficking.
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Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
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988
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24/7 crisis and suicide prevention support by call, text, or chat.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline
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(800) 799-7233
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24/7 confidential support for people experiencing domestic violence.
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Veterans Crisis Line
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988, then press 1
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24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families.
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File a claim
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To file a claim against the City, complete the City’s Claim Form and mail or hand-deliver it to the City Clerk. Claim forms cannot be submitted electronically.
City Clerk’s Office: [confirm address and hours]
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Download the Claim Form (PDF, 58 KB)
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City Attorney’s Office
The City Attorney’s Office is led by Acting City Attorney Len Aslanian. In addition to the Civil Department, the Office includes:
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⚖ Prosecution and Public Rights Department
Julia Gonzales, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor
Prosecutes criminal misdemeanors and brings consumer protection and fair housing enforcement actions on behalf of the People of the State of California.
Visit the department →
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�� Rent Program
Bill Chapin, Director
Implements the City’s Rent Ordinance and provides education and assistance to landlords and tenants.
Visit the Rent Program →
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�� Police Auditor
Dr. Leigh Grossman
Works independently with the community, the Police Department, and City management to promote police accountability and community confidence in policing.
Visit the Police Auditor →
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Note: Alameda City Government is open and transparent. Any written correspondence sent to the City may be deemed a public record which could be disclosed.