[Amended 12-18-2023 by L.L. No. 6-2024[1]]
There shall be a County Attorney, who shall be appointed by the County Executive subject to confirmation by the County Legislature, and serve at the pleasure of the County Executive. The County Attorney shall, at the time of their appointment and at all times during their term of office, be a qualified elector of the County. They shall also have been duly admitted to the practice of law in this state and at all times during their term of office and shall devote their full working time to the duties of the office.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law was approved at referendum by a majority of the duly qualified voters 11-5-2024.
[Amended 12-17-2024 by L.L. No. 1-2025]
The County Attorney shall have authority, direction and control over the department, including power to appoint and remove officers and employees within the County Attorney's Office, as well as:
A. 
Be the sole legal advisor for the County;
B. 
Advise all County officers, departments, agencies and units in all County legal matters of a civil nature;
C. 
Prosecute or defend all actions or proceedings of a civil nature brought by or against the County;
D. 
Prepare all necessary legal papers and instruments pertaining to the County government, exclusive of the preparation of local laws, resolutions, legalizing acts or other legislation or memoranda and opinions in support thereof, which fall within the purview of the Counsel to the Legislature; and
E. 
Have all the powers and perform all the duties conferred or imposed by law upon a county attorney, except as may be inconsistent with this Charter, and perform such other and related duties required by the executive branch of County government.
The County Attorney shall have the power to appoint Assistant County Attorneys as may be authorized by the County Legislature. All Assistant County Attorneys shall serve at the pleasure of the County Attorney.
[Amended 8-14-2012 by L.L. No. 9-2012[1]]
Except as provided in § C-20D, the County Attorney shall have the power to retain special counsel where necessary and within appropriations made therefor by the County Legislature.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law was approved at referendum by a majority of the duly qualified voters 11-6-2012.