Boulder Announces Three City Attorney Finalists

The City of Boulder has selected three finalists in a nationwide search for a new city attorney: Sandra Llanes, Adam Stephens and Teresa Taylor Tate.

The City Attorney Recruitment Committee, which consists of Council Members Rachel Friend and Bob Yates, recommended the finalists based on the results of semifinalist interviews with the candidates and the Recruitment Committee, city attorney staff and city leadership. The finalists selected meet or exceed the qualifications, experience and desired qualities required for the position.

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.

Sandra Llanes

Sandra Llanes has served as interim city attorney for the City of Boulder since May 2021. Her career at the city started in 2002, when she was hired as assistant city attorney. She was promoted to deputy city attorney in 2017. Prior to joining the city, she served as deputy county attorney with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in Phoenix, Ariz. Llanes received a Juris Doctor degree from University of Colorado Boulder School of Law and Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Colorado Denver.

Adam Stephens

Adam Stephens has served as assistant city attorney for the City of Fort Collins since 2020. His career in local government started in 2005, when he was hired as assistant city attorney for the City of Milwaukee, Wis. He was promoted to Milwaukee’s deputy city attorney in 2015. Prior to these roles, Stephens served as a trial attorney and adjunct instructor. Stephens received a Juris Doctor degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Teresa Taylor Tate

Teresa Taylor Tate most recently served as deputy city attorney for the City of Longmont . She joined Longmont in 2015 as assistant city attorney before assuming the deputy role in 2020. Prior to these roles, Tate served as an associate with law firms Faegre Baker Daniels LLP in Boulder and Hogan Lovells in Denver. She received a Juris Doctor degree from University of Colorado Boulder School of Law and Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas.

Selection Process

City Council confirmed these three finalists at last night’s meeting and is currently scheduled to select the next city attorney at its Oct. 19, 2021, meeting. Individuals with feedback on any of the three finalists are welcome to email City Council at council@bouldercolorado.gov between now and the final selection date.