Role of the City Attorney
- Providing legal advice and information to the Council and staff;
- Preparing legislation and legal documents;
- Reviewing contracts, leases and agreements;
- Providing legal defense for the City in a manner that minimizes City liability and exposure;
- Providing legal advice to the City Council, City Manager, Departments, Boards and Commissions;
The city attorney is the attorney representing the municipality. Unlike a district attorney or public defender, who usually handles criminal cases, a city attorney generally handles civil cases, advising the city on legal matters and representing it in court.
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AnswerWhat is the role of a city attorney?
Oct 07, 2019 · City attorneys advise a municipal government’s leadership on legal matters that may impact the city. They must be well-versed in state law governing the creation and operation of municipal governments. Additionally, city attorneys must know the law related to human resources, open meetings, open records, contracts, taxes, and criminal records.
What do city attorneys do?
city attorney's work, being primarily civil and technical in nature, cannot compare, in attracting the attention of the public, with spectacular murder trials or other like proceedings. Most people are aware, in a general fashion, that a city attorney gives legal advice to a city, and represents it in court litigation.
What is a city attorney?
It shall be the City Attorney's duty, either personally or by such assistants as he or she may designate, to perform all services incident to the legal department; to give advice in writing when so requested, to the Council, its Committees, the Manager, the Commissions, or Directors of any department [and] to prosecute or defend, as the case may be, all suits or cases to which the …
Who is attorney of New York City?
Jan 01, 2011 · City attorneys can help their city council, city manager and staff with decision-making by explaining the value protected by particular laws or the basic objective underlying laws. For example, a client may not remember the monetary threshold for gifts, but if she understands the value protected by those laws, she may pause before accepting the gift and …
What does Seattle City Attorney do?
Ann Davison, Seattle's tough on crime, pro-police newly elected City Attorney, is beginning her term in office with a major change in another important part of her office's responsibilities: legal advice to City Hall's branches and defense against challenges to the city's new laws and policies.Jan 4, 2022
Do cities have attorney client privilege?
2: Does the individual City official hold the privilege when the City Attorney provides him/her confidential advice? Brief Answer: Individual Councilmembers do not hold the attorney-client privilege when the City Attorney provides them advice.May 3, 2017
Who is San Jose City Attorney?
Nora FrimannNora Frimann, San Jose city attorney, has been a trailblazer in the legal profession.Oct 25, 2020
Who is the client of a government lawyer?
The government lawyer's client properly understood is an elected official or, in certain cases, an agency head with legal authority independent of elected officials. As a general matter, through elections or law, the people have chosen these individuals - and not the government lawyer - to represent their interests.
Who is San Jose City Manager?
SAN JOSE, CA – Mayor Sam Liccardo and the San José City Council unanimously appointed Jennifer Maguire as the City's Acting City Manager.Jun 23, 2021
What is the San Diego Public Library?
The San Diego Public Library is a popular destination that connects our diverse community to free educational and cultural resources that will enrich their lives. Programs & Events. One Book, One San Diego.
Is San Diego a good place to visit?
With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego is known worldwide as one of the best tourist destinations and a great place for residents to relax year round. Parks. Regional Parks. Community Parks. Recreation Centers.
What do elected officials need to know?
What Staff Needs to Know about Elected Officials 1 Elected officials have different needs than staff. To be effective, elected officials must be responsive to the needs of their constituents. Concerns for "fairness" and "minority views" may outweigh issues of effectiveness or efficiency. 2 Elected officials want to know where various groups stand on an issue. This information is important in attempting to balance the conflicting values that often come into play during the policymaking process. 3 Elected officials do not like surprises. This is particularly true at the end of a long and arduous process. A staffmember's credibility can be seriously undermined if key interests introduce relevant, new information at a final public hearing before action is to be taken. Councilmembers depend on staff to provide pertinent, timely, and complete information on issues the council must take under consideration. 4 Elected officials like to have choices. No one likes to feel backed into a corner with only one solution. Even a brilliant staff proposal may not carry the day if other choices were not seriously considered. 5 Staff can be an enormous help. Staff can set an example by showing how compromise can be reached on thorny issues. They can also make everyone on the policy/administrative team look good by sharing credit.
Why do conflicts occur?
Each party has a role to play, along with clearly defined responsibilities. Conflicts often develop when the legitimate needs and roles of one party are not understood by another. Here are some suggestions that might make the policy development process more effective. Elected officials have different needs than staff.
What is the legislative body?
Legislative Bodies. City, town, and county councilmembers and county commissioners are legislators. Together they constitute a legislative body that is given authority by the state constitution and state law to make local law. Local legislative authority is generally limited to what the state specifically grants to counties, cities and towns.
Who has administrative authority?
Administrative authority is vested in a directly elected mayor (sometimes called a "strong mayor") or county executive. Mayors in second class mayor-council cities and code mayor-council cities may veto ordinances but the mayor's veto can be overruled by two-thirds vote of the council.
Does the mayor have veto power?
The mayor votes as a councilmember and does not have any veto power. Political skills possessed by the mayor can be helpful in bringing parties together in the policy development process. Currently, the only county that has adopted this organizational model is Clark County, which is in the process of transition.
What is the role of a commissioner?
Commissioners serve both legislative and executive role s. The relationship of the executive to the legislative body varies by form of local government: mayor-council, council-mayor, or commission. Mayor-Council Form of Government: Policy and administration are separate. All legislative and policymaking powers are vested in the city council.
What is a commission form of government?
Commission Form of Government: In the commission form of government, one elective body includes the executive, legislative, and administrative functions of government. No cities in Washington operate under a commission form of government any more, but 32 of the 39 counties in Washington use a commission form of government.
Overview
A city attorney is a position in city and municipal government in the United States. The city attorney is the attorney representing the municipality.
Unlike a district attorney or public defender, who usually handles criminal cases, a city attorney generally handles civil cases, advising the city on legal matters and representing it in court. City attorneys may advise city officials on a wide range of city business, ranging from nuisances to ta…
Legislative Bodies
Executives
Common Questions About Legislative vs. Executive Authority
Role of The City Attorney and County Prosecutor
- Mayors and city managers serve in the executive role for cities. In counties, executive authority lies with the commission, the county executive or county administrator, or a combination of the two. While executives often develop and propose policies, their basic responsibility is to carry out the legislative body’s directives and policies. The relationship of the executive to the legislative b…
What Staff Needs to Know About Elected Officials
- Some of the most common questions surrounding the roles and responsibilities of the legislative body and the executive are related to personnel matters, agenda setting, veto power, policy setting, contracting authority, and emergency powers.
What Elected Officials Need to Know About Staff
- City attorneys and county prosecutors have a unique relationship with the legislative body and the executive branch. The city attorney’s client is the city as an entity, and city attorney's role is to provide legal advice to all branches of city government, including the legislative body and executive. The city attorney will also represent the city in all actions brought by and against the …
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