Los Altos Municipal Code Ch. 2.03 City Attorney

A.

The office of the city attorney is established. It shall consist of the city attorney.

B.

The city attorney shall administer the office and be responsible for the successful performance of its functions. He or she shall serve under the direct supervision and control of the council as its legal advisor.

C.

The council may enter into a contract with a private law firm to perform the services of city attorney and, in that connection, may designate a city attorney and such assistant city attorneys as are deemed necessary, and references in this chapter to city attorney or the office of city attorney will include any applicable law firm and performance of the functions by any of its members or employed attorneys.

D.

The city attorney may retain or employ other attorneys, assistants or special counsel as may be needed to take charge of any litigation or legal matters or assist the city attorney therein provided.

(Ord. No. 2011-366, § 4, 3-22-2011)

The city attorney shall receive such compensation and expense allowance as the city council shall from time to time determine pursuant to his or her written agreement for services with the city.

(Ord. No. 2011-366, § 4, 3-22-2011)

Except as otherwise provided for in an agreement for services with the city, the functions of the office of the city attorney shall be to:

A.

Advise the council and all city officers in all matters of laws pertaining to their offices;

B.

Furnish legal service at all regular meetings of the council, except when excused by the mayor or the council, and give advice or opinions on the legality of all matters under consideration by the council or by any of the boards and commissions or officers of the city;

C.

Prepare and/or approve all ordinances, resolutions, agreements, contracts, and other legal instruments as shall be required for the proper conduct of the business of the city and approve the form of all contracts and agreements given to the city;

D.

Prosecute on behalf of the people cases for violation of city ordinances when not otherwise prosecuted by the district attorney of Santa Clara County; and

E.

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.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as a limitation on the power or authority of the council to enter into any supplemental written agreement with the city attorney delineating additional terms and conditions of employment not inconsistent with any provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2011-366, § 4, 3-22-2011)