City Attorney

Roxanne Diaz

The City of South Pasadena contracts with the firm of Richards Watson Gershon for general legal services.

Roxanne is City Attorney for the Cities of Hidden Hills, Maywood, and South Pasadena. She has also served as City Attorney for the Cities of Indio, Manhattan Beach, and Norwalk.

Roxanne is widely respected by City Councilmembers, staff, and community leaders for her knowledge of municipal law, her commitment to transparency, and her calm, practical approach to solving problems. Roxanne assists the public agencies she represents on various legal issues that may range from drafting ordinances and contracts, land use matters and advising on conflict and governance.

Roxanne is active in several professional organizations including the League of California Cities and previously served as Parliamentarian for its annual meeting.

The City Attorney provides general legal advice to the City Council, City Manager and City Departments on all aspects of City business and performs the following functions:

• Serves as chief counsel to the City for both elected officials and staff
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents
• Represents the City in litigation, as either a defendant or prosecutor

As chief counsel, the City Attorney attends City Council meetings to provide counsel and to have firsthand knowledge of current and proposed City actions. The City Attorney is responsible for rendering opinions on specific legal issues. The City Attorney also serves as parliamentarian.

In matters requiring litigation, the City Attorney is familiar with the laws bearing on the City's actions, particularly local ordinances and internal procedures and is responsible for representing the City in court.