1. Represent and advise the City Council and all City officers in all matters of law pertaining to their offices;
2. Represent and appear for the City and any City officer or employee or former City officer or employee, in any or all actions and proceedings in which the City or any such officer or employee in or by reason of his/her official capacity, is concerned or is a party, but the City Council shall have control of all legal business and proceedings and may employ other attorneys to take charge of any litigation or matter or to assist the City Attorney therein;
3. Attend all meetings of the City Council and give his/her advice or opinion in writing whenever requested to do so by the City Council, or by any of the boards or officers of the City;
4. Approve the form of all bonds given to and all contracts made by the City, endorsing his/her approval thereon in writing;
5. Prepare any and all proposed ordinances or resolutions for the City, and amendments thereto;
6. Prosecute on behalf of the people all criminal cases for violation of this Charter and of City ordinances; and
7. On vacating the office, surrender to his/her successor, all books, papers, files, and documents pertaining to the City’s affairs.

To be eligible for appointment as City Attorney, the appointee shall have been admitted to practice as an attorney at law before the Supreme Court of the State of California, and shall have been engaged in the active practice of law for at least four years immediately prior to his/her appointment. (Amended by electors at an election held March 7, 2000, Charter Chapter 11 of the State Statutes of 2000)