Beverly Hills Municipal Code Art. 10 Office of the City Attorney

The office of the city attorney is hereby established. It shall consist of the city attorney and other positions authorized by the council. The city attorney shall administer the office and be responsible for the successful performance of its functions. The city attorney shall serve under the direct supervision and control of the council as its legal advisor. The council may retain or employ other attorneys, assistants, or special counsel as may be needed to take charge of any litigation or legal matters or to assist the city attorney therein. (1962 Code § 2-4.1401; amd. Ord. 09-O-2576, eff. 1-15-2010)

The functions of the office of the city attorney shall include:

A. Represent and appear for the city, its council, and commissions in all actions or proceedings in which they are concerned or are a party; and represent and appear for a city officer or employee, or a former city officer or employee, in all actions or proceedings in which such officer or employee is a party defendant due to the performance of his official duties, provided such representation and appearance, in the opinion of the city attorney, will not conflict with the city Attorney's duties to the City, will not adversely affect the interests of the City, and is approved by the Council;

B. Advise the Council and all City officers in all matters of law pertaining to their offices;

C. Furnish service at all meetings of the Council, except when excused or disabled, and give advice or opinions on the legality of all matters under consideration by the Council or by any of the boards, commissions or officers of the City;

D. Prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal instruments as shall be required, or as may be deemed necessary, by the City Attorney for the proper conduct of the business of the City; and approve the form of contracts and bonds relating to City business;

E. Prosecute on behalf of the people all criminal cases for violations of City ordinances; and

F. Perform such other legal duties as may be required by the Council or as may be necessary to complete the performance of the foregoing functions. (1962 Code § 2-4.1402; amd. Ord. 09-O-2576, eff. 1-15-2010)