Pursuant to Article V, Section 5.2 of the City Charter, "the Director of Law shall serve the Mayor, the various administrative departments, boards and officers of the Municipality and the Council, as attorney and legal counsel, and shall represent the Municipality in all proceedings in court or before any administrative body. He or she shall act as a prosecuting attorney for the Municipality in any criminal proceeding brought by the Municipality. He or she shall perform all other duties not or hereafter imposed by law upon solicitors of cities unless otherwise provided by ordinance of Council, and shall perform such other duties as the council or the Mayor may require consistent with his or her office."
The Law Department prepares and/or oversees all legislation presented to City Council from every City Department. Additionally, the Law Director provides advice and legal opinions to the Mayor, City Administration and City Council. The Law Director also represents the City in litigation matters and prosecutions; assists insurance defense counsel with litigation; reviews and approves all City contracts; and monitors new developments in the law.
Due to legal constraints, the Law Department staff is unable to provide legal advice to residents concerning private legal disputes or any other private matters, such as property disputes or eviction proceedings.