Final Round of Interviews for New Alameda City Attorney

Alameda City Council will conduct a second round of interviews with the top three finalists for city attorney at a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at City Hall.

Interviews will take place during a closed council session starting at 6 p.m. City Manager John Russo will be present.

"We will deliberate after the interviews, but it is unlikely that any action will be taken," Councilmember Lena Tam wrote in an email to Alameda Patch. "Before the council can tender an offer, we must undertake the due diligence of background and reference checks."

Tam and Councilmember Beverly Johnson are the members of the council subcommittee responsible for recruitment of the new city attorney.

The council hopes to name a new city attorney by early fall. A contract with the chosen candidate will be discussed and voted upon in an open session of the city council.

The city received more than 40 applications for the job. Seven candidates were invited to the initial round of interviews that were .

The council placed former city attorney on Dec. 28, 2010, after learning that she had accepted a position as interim city attorney in Barstow, CA, without giving notice to the city of Alameda. Highsmith filed a personal injury claim against the City of Alameda in March, seeking redress for “wage loss, fringe benefits loss, emotional and physical injuries, damage to her reputation, and general damages based upon statutory violations and constructive wrongful termination.”

Highsmith retired from her Alameda position on May 3, according to a city press release.

Assistant City Attorney Donna Mooney has been serving as acting city attorney since Highsmith's departure.