City Attorney

Mission Statement


The City Attorney's Office mission is to provide the highest quality legal services to elected officials, appointed officials, and staff in conducting City business. We support the City by rendering legal advice and opinions, drafting and reviewing contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and other documents needed to accomplish the City's policies and goals. This Office also represents the City's legal interests before judicial and administrative agencies, and prosecutes violations of the City Charter and Municipal Code.
Man shakes hand with attorney

Overview


In accordance with the City Charter, the City Attorney is appointed by the City Council to act as the City's general counsel. As the City's general counsel, the City Attorney provides a full range of legal services to the City and manages outside special counsel. Among other things, the City Attorney is the chief legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, all City departments, and all appointed boards and commissions. In addition, the City Attorney litigates both civil and criminal cases on the City's behalf.

The permanent staff includes Assistant City Attorneys M. Rebeca Mendoza, Andy H. Viets, Jennifer Lee, Dirk DeGenna and Miles Hogan.

The City Attorney's office cannot provide private legal advice to residents nor does it ordinarily prosecute violations of the California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other violations of State law. If you are seeking legal representation, you can contact the Ventura County Bar Association.  If you wish to report a violation of State law, you should contact the Ventura Police Department by calling 805-654-2500.