(A) The City Attorney shall be employed by the city on a contractual basis, and shall serve as the general law officer and legal counsel of the city. He or she shall be an attorney licensed to practice in the state. He or she shall be chosen solely on the basis of his or her legal qualifications, with special emphasis on actual experience in or knowledge of state municipal and administrative law.
(B) The City Attorney shall advise the Mayor, the City Council and all other city officers and employees in all legal matters pertaining to their municipal duties or affecting the interests of the city; shall appear for and defend the city in all legal actions and administrative proceedings in which the city is a party or is interested; shall institute legal action for and in behalf of the city wherever necessary for protection or enforcement of rights or interests of the city; shall prepare and examine ordinances, resolutions, orders and legal instruments as City Council may direct; and generally shall attend to all legal business of the city.