Legal Definitions - city attorney

A city attorney is a lawyer or a team of lawyers employed by a municipal government to serve as its chief legal advisor and representative. Their primary role is to ensure that the city's actions, policies, and decisions comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. This involves providing legal counsel to the city council, various city departments, and city employees, as well as representing the city in legal disputes, drafting ordinances, and reviewing contracts.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a city attorney:

• Advising on New Legislation: The City Council of Oakwood is considering a new ordinance to regulate the use of drones within city limits. Before the council votes, the city attorney reviews the proposed ordinance to ensure it complies with state and federal aviation laws, privacy rights, and existing city regulations. They would advise the council on any potential legal vulnerabilities and suggest modifications to make the ordinance legally robust.

  This example demonstrates the city attorney's advisory role, proactively helping the city create legally sound policies and avoid future legal challenges.

• Defending Against Lawsuits: A resident of Greenfield sues the city, claiming that a pothole on a public street caused significant damage to their car and that the city was negligent in maintaining its infrastructure. The city attorney would represent the City of Greenfield in court, preparing the city's defense, presenting arguments, and negotiating a settlement if appropriate, all to protect the city's interests.

  This illustrates the city attorney's role in representing the city in litigation, defending it against claims and ensuring its legal rights are protected.

• Reviewing and Negotiating Contracts: The City of Riverbend plans to enter into a contract with a private waste management company to handle its residential trash collection for the next five years. The city attorney would be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the terms of this complex contract, ensuring it includes favorable terms for the city, specifies service levels, outlines penalties for non-compliance, and adheres to all procurement laws.

  This shows the city attorney's function in safeguarding the city's financial and operational interests by ensuring all contractual agreements are legally sound and beneficial.