Boulder City Council Selects New City Attorney

Boulder City Council on Tuesday night selected Teresa Taylor Tate, most recently the deputy city attorney in Longmont, as Boulder’s new City Attorney.

Tate was recommended by a recruitment committee consisting of Council Members Rachel Friend and Bob Yates, after a lengthy evaluation and interview process.

Tate has extensive legal experience. She joined the City of Longmont in 2015 as assistant city attorney before assuming the deputy role in 2020. Prior to her municipal employment, Tate served as an associate with law firms Faegre Baker Daniels LLP in Boulder and Hogan Lovells in Denver. Tate’s professional qualifications also include a judicial clerkship for Chief Justice Nancy E. Rice on the Colorado Supreme Court and representing the state’ judicial branch as in-house counsel.

Tate received a Juris Doctor degree from University of Colorado Boulder School of Law and Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas.

Tate distinguished herself in the interview process as a skilled legal advisor with a firm grasp on the law as well as a clear understanding of the importance of an equity lens; a commitment to finding workable solutions to complex problems; and a record of successfully mentoring and managing a team of colleagues.

“We look forward to bringing Teresa into the fold of the City of Boulder,” Mayor Sam Weaver said.

Tate said Wednesday that she is excited to lead the excellent City Attorney’s Department.

“I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to advise the City Council of the City of Boulder and lead the City Attorney’s Office. This city is comprised of thought-leaders who fight for their beliefs. I deeply respect that conviction,” Tate said. “The City Attorney’s Office is an exceptional team with tremendous leadership and experience, and I’m delighted to work with this team.”

Tate was one of three highly qualified finalists for the position.

“We did have three outstanding finalists, and it was a hard decision,” Friend said Tuesday evening.

In making this decision, City Council also expressed gratitude to Interim City Attorney Sandra Llanes for her leadership since the departure of former City Attorney Tom Carr in June.

“Sandra, you’ve done a phenomenal job as Interim City Attorney,” Councilmember Aaron Brockett said. “I really look forward to continuing to work together. I think you and Ms. Taylor Tate will make a great team.”

The city attorney is one of three positions appointed by City Council, as required by city charter. The city attorney is the legal advisor to city council, boards and commissions, and city officials.

The next step will be for Human Resources and the City Attorney’s Office to work out contract details with Tate. Her start date is expected to be Dec. 1, 2021.