The city attorney, which may be an individual or a law firm, shall be appointed by the city manager, subject to approval by a majority vote of the council- and mayor-elect, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the city manager. The functions, duties, and compensation of the attorney shall be as follows:
(a) The attorney shall act as legal advisor to and be attorney for the council and mayor in the performance of their duties as elected officials, and shall be responsible solely to the city manager. He shall advise any officer or department head of the city in matters relating to his official duties when so requested by resolution of the city council, or the city manager and shall file with the clerk a copy of all written opinions given by him.
(b) He shall prosecute ordinance violations and conduct for the City such cases in court and before other legally constituted tribunals as the council may request. He shall file with the clerk copies of such records and files relating thereto as the council may direct.
(c) He shall prepare or review all ordinances, contracts, bonds, and other written instruments which are submitted to him by the council, mayor, or city manager, and shall promptly give his opinion as to the legality thereof.
(d) He shall call to the attention of the council, mayor, and the city manager all matters of law and changes or developments therein affecting the City.
(e) He shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed for him by this charter, by resolution or ordinance, or as prescribed by state or federal law or regulation.
(f) He shall at all times cooperate with the city manager and provide such information and reports and perform such duties as are requested by the city manager, so long as they are not inconsistent with the duties of his office as herein provided.
(g) He shall recommend the retention of special legal counsel to handle any matter in which the City has legal interest or to assist him when he believes it to be in the best interest of the City.
(h) The compensation set by resolution for the attorney shall be in contemplation of the normal duties of that office. Special compensation may be provided by resolution for appeals to, or litigation in, the federal courts, the circuit court or state appellate courts; for work requiring extensive hearings before quasi-judicial or administrative tribunals; for legal work in connection with the issuance of bonds of the city; for condemnation proceedings; or for other matters outside the scope of his normal duties. No special compensation, nor any compensation to special legal counsel, shall be paid except in accordance with an agreement made between the City and the attorney or special counsel prior to the time such special services have been rendered.
(i) No person shall be appointed city attorney of the City of Hamtramck unless he shall have been admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the State of Michigan at least two years prior to the time of his appointment.