what does a city attorney

The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:

• Advise city leaders on matters related to ethics, personnel, ordinances, contracts, land use, taxes, and finance
• Stay informed on changes to state and federal laws that impact the city
• Inform the appropriate elected officials and city staff as laws are being debated in the state legislature or Congress
• Draft city laws and contracts

More items...

Full Answer

What is a city attorney’s job?

A city attorney has to be part of City Hall’s day-to-day operations and inner machinery, said Raphael Sonenshein, executive director of the Pat Brown Institute at Cal State LA. “ [While] the city attorney can roam and do all kinds of stuff in the community, if that’s all they do, they’re not going to be a very good city attorney.”

What does it mean when the city attorney writes laws?

This also means the city attorney can choose which cases not to prosecute and which to refer to diversion programs (in which defendants can avoid trial and potential jail time by doing certain programs like drug treatment or therapy) instead. When the City Council proposes a law, the city attorney actually writes the law.

What kind of legal advice does a city attorney give?

The city attorney’s advice may include opinions about whether the changes are good policy, but the most important pieces are whether the changes are permissible under state and federal law and whether the city is exposing itself to legal risk by making the changes. Government attorneys typically make less money than private sector attorneys.

Does a city have a law firm?

Larger cities have legal departments that a city attorney directs. Smaller cities have one city attorney on staff or contract with a law firm specializing in municipal law. Some law firms do all their business representing governmental entities such as cities, counties, and school districts.

Are local prosecutors also called city attorneys?

General term for lawyers who represent local governments (cities and counties, for example) in the lower courts; often called "city attorneys" or "solicitors." Lawyers are officers of the court and, as such, must obey court rules, be truthful in court, and generally serve the needs of Justice.

What does the San Diego City Attorney do?

City Attorney Mara W. Elliott serves as chief legal advisor to the Mayor, City Council, and all City departments, and as the City's prosecutor. She defends City taxpayers in lawsuits, and protects residents and the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

What are 3 things lawyers do?

Duties of LawyersAdvise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.More items...

Who is the City Attorney of Los Angeles California?

Attorney Mike FeuerAbout Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer has long been one of California's leading lawyers and lawmakers.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

Who is the San Diego City Attorney?

Mara ElliottSan Diego City AttorneyCity Attorney of San DiegoIncumbent Mara Elliott since December 12, 2016Term lengthFour years, renewable onceInaugural holderThomas W. SutherlandFormation18503 more rows

What kind of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

What is a lawyer's annual salary?

127,990 USD (2021)Lawyer / Median pay (annual)

How many years do you have to study to be a lawyer?

seven yearsBecoming a lawyer usually takes seven years. Aspiring lawyers need four years of study at university to earn an undergraduate degree and an additional three years of law school. Six to 12 months of on-the-job training while shadowing an established attorney is typically part of the process as well.

How much do Los Angeles city attorneys make?

How much does a City Attorney make in Los Angeles, CA? The average City Attorney salary in Los Angeles, CA is $102,098 as of May 27, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $85,440 and $120,302.

Who prosecutes misdemeanors in Los Angeles?

While felony offenses in Los Angeles are always prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, misdemeanors may be filed by either the DA's office or by a City Attorney, depending on where the offense occurred.

How do I file a claim with the city of Los Angeles?

You can request a Claim Form from the City Clerk's Office at 213-978-1133.

What is the difference between a city attorney and a district attorney?

The City Attorney has the main person. They have an assistant. They have a bunch of Deputies. They have supervising City Attorneys in each of the branches of the courthouses. The District Attorney is like a business. They have a head District Attorney and they have multiple Assistant heads. They’ve got office heads.

What to do if playback doesn't begin?

If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Can a wobbler be a misdemeanor?

For example, someone could be arrested for a crime and be booked for a felony and the crime could be a wobbler – meaning it could be filed as a misdemeanor or felony, so the District Attorney’s office could reject the case, decide not to file it, but then send it to the City Attorney and say, this is a case you should file.

Do city and district attorneys work together?

Sometimes they have to work together. Sometimes the City Attorneys and District Attorneys have to deal with a case where both a felony and a misdemeanor are filed. Sometimes somebody will be on misdemeanor probation and commit a felony, and then the City Attorney comes in and give their position on how they’re going to deal with their probation violation, for example, so it has to be coordinated between the defense attorney and also the District Attorney. So, a lot of times the City Attorney and District Attorney will work side-by-side on certain cases in certain situations.

How many different courts are there in Los Angeles County?

So, as far as the District Attorney’s go, most of the court in Los Angeles County staff the District Attorney’s office and there are about twenty-five different courts now.

Where is the District Attorney's office in Los Angeles?

There’s one main District Attorney’s office which is in downtown Los Angeles actually in the criminal court building at 210 West Temple. The City Attorney’s office has their own offices as well. They’re in most of the courthouses. There are a few examples of courthouses where there’s only District Attorneys and they prosecute both felonies ...

Do district attorneys prosecute misdemeanors?

They’re in most of the courthouses. There are a few examples of courthouses where there’s only District Attorneys and they prosecute both felonies and misdemeanors. But in most of the courthouses, there’s both City Attorneys and District Attorneys, and again, the District Attorneys are usually prosecuting the felonies – the more serious cases, ...