General Counsel

Bart Miesfeld was raised in San Diego. He graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering emphasizing structural analysis and design. His graduation honors included induction into national honor societies, Chi Epsilon (top 10% nationwide of all civil engineering students), and Tau Beta Pi (top 10% nationwide of all engineering disciplines). After graduation, he worked as a civil engineer for the City of El Cajon.

Mr. Miesfeld obtained a Juris Doctorate Degree in law from the California Western School of Law where he graduated with highest distinction, Magna Cum Laude. He worked as a trial attorney at a large private law firm in San Diego which included representation of various public entities and public safety agencies.

Mr. Miesfeld went on to complete a postgraduate program of instruction in law at Harvard Law School. Thereafter, he took an academic position as an Adjunct Professor teaching law at the University of San Diego School of Law. He provided classroom instruction relating to civil procedure, evidence and trial practice.

After his private trial work, Mr. Miesfeld joined the Chula Vista City Attorney’s office to handle litigation as a deputy city attorney. He quickly rose through the office to be unanimously appointed as the Chula Vista City Attorney. Mr. Miesfeld spent over twenty years in the Chula Vista City Attorney’s office working to improve residents’ quality of life, increase public safety, and safeguard public resources.

As General Council with the Commission on Police Practices (CPP), Mr. Miesfeld is responsible for overseeing and advising the Commission and its members/staff on all legal matters pertaining to the lawful functioning and subject matter arising out of the Commission’s work. The CPP is an independent community oversight body of the San Diego Police Department. Mr. Miesfeld acts independently from the City Council and the City Attorney’s office. His expertise and advice provide the legal framework to ensure the Commission’s actions properly support the mission of transparency, accountability, and increasing public safety.

Contact: bmiesfeld@sandiego.gov