The Department of Law shall be directed by the City Attorney,
who shall be appointed by the Common Council for a two year term to
expire at the end of every even numbered year. He or she shall be
qualified on the basis of being admitted to practice as an attorney
and counselor before the courts of the State of New York and the United
States.
The specific powers and duties of the City Attorney shall include:
Service as the chief legal adviser and attorney for City government,
including the Mayor, the Common Council, and all departments, boards
and commissions in all matters relating to their official powers and
duties.
Appearance for the City and prosecution or defense of all actions
and proceedings by or against the City and any of its departments,
boards, commissions or offices.
Prosecution of all offenses against the local laws, ordinances
or regulations of the City and such offenses against the laws of the
State as may be required by law.
Preparation of all local laws, ordinances, contracts, deeds
and other instruments for the City, except in those instances where
the Common Council may have authorized special counsel to perform
such duties, or where required by law, and review of all such documents.
Any contract or agreement into which the City enters, except as it
relates to normal day-to-day purchasing functions of the City, shall
be effective only after the City Attorney shall note by statement
and endorsement on the signature page that it has been approved by
the City Attorney as to form.
Provide legal advice and opinion, both oral or in writing, as
appropriate, when requested by the Mayor, Common Council, heads of
departments, or boards or commissions.
Employ and direct special counsel to handle or assist in specific
matters, as may be authorized by the Common Council.
