The office of the City Attorney is hereby established. It shall consist of the City Attorney and such assistants as may be authorized by the Council. The City Attorney shall administer the office and be responsible for the successful performance of its functions. He/she shall serve under the direct supervision and control of the City Council as its legal advisor, in accordance with the provisions of the City Charter and any contract approved by the City Council pursuant to the terms the City Charter and this Chapter. The City 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 and/or Deputy 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 said functions by any of its members or employed attorneys.