The Municipal Counsellor shall have such qualifications, powers, and duties as are prescribed by law for city attorneys in cities of the first class. It is his duty to advise the Mayor and Council and each member thereof, and all city officials, upon all legal questions. He or she shall give opinions in writing when requested and shall represent the city as counsel in all litigation, in all courts, for or against the city, and shall perform such other legal service in behalf of the city, its officers or employees, as may be required.
(`83 Code, § 2-320)