Candidate for
City Attorney; City of San Francisco

Jim Lazarus has dedicated the past 26 years of his life working toward a better quality of life and improved government for the people of San Francisco. As a former deputy city attorney, successful lawyer in private practice, veteran public servant and fourth generation San Franciscan, Jim has the unique skills and experience needed to ensure an independent and seasoned voice in the San Francisco City Attorney's Office.

Jim's first legal position was working for Governor Jerry Brown, protecting farm worker's rights. He then took a position as a San Francisco deputy city attorney, where he served for five years. As a deputy city attorney Jim tried cases; advised city officials; and drafted laws, labor agreements and contracts.

In 1980, Jim left the City Attorney's office to start his own private law practice. As a partner in the law offices of Mares and Lazarus, Jim worked as a labor relations consultant to the City of San Francisco and other local government agencies.

In 1983, Mayor Dianne Feinstein asked Jim to leave his successful private practice and serve San Francisco as an executive deputy mayor for finance and administration. In this capacity, he earned a reputation for his sound judgment and as a skilled negotiator.

As Vice President of Public Affairs with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce (1990-1992), Jim worked with the Citizens Advisory Committee to demolish the Embarcadero Freeway after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and served on the Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee to assist the community in its negotiations with the United States Navy for the clean up of toxic waste on the base.

In 1992, Jim was asked to again serve San Francisco and he accepted the position as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Mayor. During his tenure, he led the successful negotiations to save the San Francisco Giants baseball team.

Concluding his service as Mayoral Chief of Staff, Jim practiced law in a solo practice and spent two years as Chief Operating Officer of the San Francisco Zoological Society, spearheading the successful 1997 Zoo Bond to rebuild this important recreational facility. Senator Feinstein asked Jim to return to her staff as California Director in 1999. He is currently on a leave of absence to undertake his campaign for City Attorney.

Throughout his years of service, Jim has negotiated landmark agreements to fight discrimination in The City -- protecting employment rights for the gay and lesbian community, and drafting the City's first comparable worth policy for City workers. He was the principal author of the City's first rent control law, the 1995 Charter and the recent MUNI management reforms.

Jim earned a BA in political science from American University in Washington, D.C. He attended the University of Santa Clara Law School, and was admitted to the California Bar in 1974. A fourth generation San Franciscan, public service was a constant in the Lazarus family: his great uncle and cousin served as superior court judges in San Francisco. Jim's family history dates to the earliest days of California.

Jim is married to Ann Blumlein Lazarus, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Zion Health Fund. The couple has four children: Kate (18), Nicole (16), Jack (13), Michael (11).