County Counsel
The Office of County Counsel is the legal adviser to the Board of Supervisors. County Counsel defends or prosecutes all civil actions and proceedings in which the county or any of its officers is named. (Cal Gov't Code §§ 26526 & 26529.)
Mendocino County Counsel provides legal advice and representation to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors, County officials and their departments. The Office directly serves the Board of Supervisors and works to understand and further the needs and goals of the Board. The Office provides legal guidance, support, and strategies, gives training, drafts and reviews legal documents and opinions, analyzes legislation and resolutions and represents the County in litigation. Upon request, the Office also acts as legal adviser for the Grand Jury and may also provide legal services to Special Districts.
Mission Statement
The office of Mendocino County Counsel is committed to providing the highest quality legal representation and advice, in a timely, responsive and cost-effective manner; to assist the County through its governing Board of Supervisors and other departments as needed to promote the public service objectives of Mendocino County, while at the same time protecting the County from risk and loss.
The Office of the County Counsel does not provide legal advice to the general public. If you have suffered personal injury or property damage, which you believe was caused by the County or one of its employees you must first start by filing a claim with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, located at 501 Low Gap Road, Room 1010, Ukiah, CA 95482.
Please note that the law governing claims against public entities is complex and has short deadlines. You may need to seek the services of an attorney for your own protection. In any event, you should present your claim without delay. (See California Government Code section 910 et seq.)
Notice of Claim form(PDF, 623KB)
Requests for Public Records
Do not send records requests to County Counsel directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the County Counsel give legal advice to members of the public?
No. The County Counsel, by statute, is the lawyer for the Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed departmental officials, and the County employees in their official capacity of County government. The County Counsel may not give legal advice to members of the public.
How do I file a claim against the County if I have suffered personal injury or property damage, which I believe was caused by the County or one of its employees?
Claims against the County must be filed with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, located at 501 Low Gap Road, Room 1010, Ukiah, CA 95482.
The law governing claims against the public entities is complex and has short deadlines. You may need to seek the services of an attorney for your own protection. In any event, you should present your claim without delay. For additional information, please refer to Government Code section 910 et seq.
Can I serve a lawsuit against the County by serving the County Counsel’s Office?
No. Service of process on the County may only be accomplished by serving the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, whose office is located at: 501 Low Gap Road, Room 1010, Ukiah, CA 95482.
Can I speak with the County Counsel since their name is listed at the top of the paperwork I received?
The County Counsel's name appears on all documents filed by anyone within the office. However, the person most familiar with your case is usually the person who signed the document. That person's name appears beneath County Counsel's name at the top of the document, and beneath the signature itself. If you believe you must speak with someone regarding your matter, that is the person you should speak with first.
Resources/Trainings
Public Meetings: From Brown Act Basics to New Legislation
2026 Ethics and Brown Act Training Materials
Contact Us
501 Low Gap Road, Room 1030
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: 707-234-6885
Fax: 707-463-4592
Email
Websites