Responsibilities
The City Attorney is a public official appointed by the City Council. The City contracts with Burke, Williams and Sorensen, LLP to act as the City Attorney’s office. Karl H. Berger has been the City Attorney since 2020; he was previously the Assistant City Attorney since 2009. Timothy E. Campen is the Assistant City Attorney and Justin Tamayo is a Deputy City Attorney.
In accordance with California law and the Monterey Park Municipal Code, the City Attorney is the City’s general counsel responsible for, among other things, providing oral and written legal advice; drafting ordinances and resolutions; reviewing and drafting contracts; representing the City in civil litigation; and keeping the City abreast of new legal developments. Additionally, the City Attorney is the City’s prosecutor and is responsible for enforcing the Monterey Park Municipal Code.