A San Francisco native, Christopher (Chris) Tom ‘02 serves as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco. 

During his undergraduate years as a Brunonian, Chris explored numerous academic disciplines and concentrations before graduating with a degree in Political Science. After college, Chris worked for the City of Oakland, California, where he grappled with urban challenges and helped diverse constituencies access and navigate government services. Four years later, seeking to develop a versatile skillset for public service, Chris began pursuing a Master in Public Affairs degree at Princeton University and a Juris Doctor degree at Columbia Law School.

After completing both programs, Chris practiced land use, real estate, and environmental law at two international corporate law firms, and maintained an active pro bono practice. In 2016, Chris joined the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office where he serves as General Counsel to the Department of Public Works, drafts legislation, litigates, and advises City departments and officials on a myriad of subject matter including mixed-use property development, housing, infrastructure, environmental regulations, public records, and open government. 

Outside of work, Chris serves on the Board of Trustees of the Chinese American International School, the first Mandarin immersion school in the United States. Chris resides in San Francisco with his wife and their two sons.