The City Attorney's Office provides legal services for the City Council, City officials, departments, and commissions in conducting City business. City Attorney staff represent the City before judicial and administrative proceedings and prosecutes Municipal Code violations occurring in the City. In addition, they streamline the process for City agreements and forms. The City Attorney's office does not provide legal services to residents. Residents needing legal representation can contact the State Bar of California.

Certified Lawyer Referral Services

David Lim was appointed in March 2022. He serves as the city attorney to the City of Fairfield as a contract city attorney with the firm Richards, Watson, and Gershon. Mr. Lim is a senior attorney at the law firm of Richards, Watson and Gershon and manages its San Francisco office.

David provides legal advice and representation to the City Council and City departments.  Prior to joining Richards, Watson, and Gershon, David served as deputy district attorney in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties from 1999 to 2019, with over 50 solo jury trials to verdict and countless other litigation matters. For 14 years David served on the Real Estate Fraud Committee of the California District Attorneys Association, acting as Chair from 2010 to 2018.  From 2009 to 2017 David served on the San Mateo City Council, including two years as the appointed Mayor.

With 18 years of experience David serves as the city attorney to the City of Fairfield and assistant city attorney to the City of Mill Valley. David also serves as special counsel to agencies in the area of code enforcement, police practices, and general litigation. 

Education

• J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, CA
• M.Ed, UCLA
• B.A., UCLA

Memberships

• Member, San Mateo County Bar Association
• Member, Alameda County Bar Association
• Member, California Association of Code Enforcement Officers