The County Counsel's Office is comprised of the County Counsel, three Chief Deputy County Counsels, 22 Deputy County Counsels, four administrative staff, and 11 support staff. Formerly, the functions of the County Counsel were performed by the District Attorney, an elected official, and the office was known as the Civil Division of the District Attorney's Office. On November 3, 1987, the voters of San Mateo County approved a Charter Amendment to separate the Civil Division from the District Attorney's Office and create the Office of the County Counsel. Thomas F. Casey III, formerly Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Civil Division, was appointed the first-ever County Counsel by the Board of Supervisors. Tom Casey served as County Counsel for more than twenty years with great distinction exemplifying the highest ideals of public service until his retirement in August 2007. In February 2007 the Board of Supervisors appointed the Assistant County Counsel, Michael P. Murphy, as County Counsel. Michael Murphy joined the County Counsel's Office in 1982 and rose to the position of Chief Deputy in 1982 and Assistant County Counsel in 2006. Michael Murphy retired in March 2011 and the Board of Supervisors appointed John C. Beiers, former Chief Deputy County Counsel, to replace Michael Murphy upon his retirement. John Beiers joined the office of County Counsel in 1995 and was appointed Chief Deputy in 2006.
