The Corporation Counsel shall be the head of
the Department of Law. The Corporation Counsel shall be an attorney
and counselor of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
The Corporation Counsel shall be and act as the legal adviser
of the Common Council and of the several officers, boards and departments
of the City, and the Corporation Counsel shall appear for and protect
the rights and interests of the City in all actions, suits and proceedings
brought by and against it or any City officer, board or department,
and such officers, boards or departments shall not employ other counsel
except as otherwise provided in this Charter or the City Code, and
where there is a clear conflict of interest such that representation
by Corporation Counsel would be inappropriate, and the Common Council
has appropriated the necessary funds therefor.
The Corporation Counsel, with the written consent of the Mayor
and approval by the Common Council, may employ counsel, at such compensation
as may be agreed upon by the Board of Managers, to assist the Corporation
Counsel in cases or proceedings in which the City is interested or
a party.