City Attorney. City Attorney Michael Bailey serves as general counsel for the
City and manages the City Attorney’s Office. In addition to these administrative duties,
and consistent with the Council’s expressed desire, Mr. Bailey continues to actively
engage in the practice of law, directing larger economic development matters,
negotiating complex transactional agreements, advising the City Manager and
Department Heads, and providing legal guidance for the policy decisions of Council.
Mr. Bailey attended Chapman University and the Chapman University School of Law.
Mr. Bailey also holds a Masters of Public Administration from American Public
University. He is admitted to practice in Arizona and California
Civil Division. The Civil Division is composed of Deputy City Attorney Julie
Kriegh and Assistant City Attorneys James Gruber and Misty Leslie. The
administrative support for the Civil Division is provided by Keri Fernandez and Karen
Williams. This team works closely with all of the City Departments to address the
legal needs of the City in the most expeditious and beneficial manner.
Julie Kriegh joined the Office in September 2006 as Deputy City Attorney. Ms.
Kriegh came to the City with municipal experience having worked in various City
Attorney capacities with the Town of Chino Valley and the City of Mesa. Ms. Kriegh
attended Northern Arizona University and the University Of Denver School Of Law
She is admitted to practice law in Colorado and Arizona.
James Gruber joined the Office in October 2006 as Assistant City Attorney. Mr.
Gruber previously was an associate at the Scottsdale law firm of Sacks Tierney P.A.,
practicing in the areas of commercial litigation and real estate. Mr. Gruber represents
the City in the drafting and negotiation of major contractual agreements, including the
Asante Arsenic Treatment Development Agreement and the intergovernmental
agreement that brought Rio Salado College to the future Surprise City Hall campus. In
addition, Mr. Gruber h