Mountain View Picks San Mateo County's Justin Mates as City Attorney

The Mountain View City Council has selected San Mateo County Assistant County Executive Justin Mates to serve as the city's next city attorney, filling a vacancy created earlier this year when former city attorney Jennifer Logue was appointed to the Contra Costa County Superior Court bench.

Nov. 10 Confirmation Vote and $400,000 Contract Terms

According to reporting by the Mountain View Voice, the City Council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 10 to formally approve Mates' employment contract. Under the proposed agreement, Mates will assume office on Jan. 4 with an annual base salary of $400,000.

Mayor Emily Ann Ramos praised Mates' background in municipal law, regional housing policy, and inter-agency negotiations. Once confirmed, Mates will lead a City Attorney's Office comprising 6 attorneys, 2 code enforcement officers, and 3 administrative support staff members. Senior Assistant City Attorney Jannie Quinn has served as interim city attorney since Logue departed in June following her judicial appointment in Contra Costa County.

San Mateo County Legal and Executive Experience

A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, Mates joined the San Mateo County Attorney's Office in 2012, where he represented school districts, the county harbor district, and municipal agencies in litigation and land-use matters. He later served for 6 years as deputy county executive before being promoted to Assistant County Executive in January. During his tenure with San Mateo County, Mates helped coordinate financial strategy across all 20 cities in the county to address a $226 million state vehicle license fee (VLF) revenue shortfall.