To become and remain eligible for City Attorney, the person appointed shall be an attorney at law duly licensed as such under the laws of the State of California, and shall have been engaged in the practice of law for at least three years prior to such appointment. The City Attorney shall have the power and may be required to:
(a) Represent and advise the City Council and all City officers in all matters of law pertaining to their offices.
(b) Prosecute on behalf of the people any or all criminal cases arising from violation of the provisions of this Charter or of City ordinances and such state misdemeanors as the City has the power to prosecute, unless otherwise provided by the City Council. Except for such prosecutions as may be conducted by another public agency having jurisdiction to do so, all prosecutions pursuant to this paragraph shall be conducted by the City Attorney or by employees or persons under the direction and control of the City Attorney. The City Council shall not contract with any person or firm to act as special or independent prosecutor or otherwise appoint or designate any other person or firm to prosecute any criminal matter.
(c) Represent and appear for the City in any or all actions or proceedings in which the City is concerned or is a party and represent and appear for any City officer or employee, or former City officer or employee, in any or all civil actions or proceedings in which such officer or employee is concerned or is a party for any act arising out of such employment or by reason of such official capacity.
(d) Attend all regular meetings of the City Council, unless excused, and give advice or opinion orally or in writing whenever requested to do so by the City Council or by any of the boards or officers of the City.
(e) Approve the form of all contracts made by and all bonds given to the City, endorsing approval thereon in writing.
(f) Prepare any and all proposed ordinances and City Council resolutions and amendments thereto.
(g) Devote entire time to the duties of the office.
(h) Perform such legal functions and duties incident to the execution of the foregoing powers as may be necessary.
(i) Surrender to the successor City Attorney all books, papers, files and documents pertaining to the City's affairs.
The City Council shall have control of all legal business and proceedings of the City and may employ or contract with other attorneys to take charge of or assist in any civil litigation or other civil legal matters or business. (Amended November 11, 1976, filed by Secretary of State, December 27, 1976; amended November 7, 1978, filed by Secretary of State, January 2, 1979; amended November 7, 2000, filed by Secretary of State February 6, 2001.)