(a) The council shall appoint and fix the salary of the city attorney who shall hold office at the pleasure of the council.
(b) The attorney shall be duly admitted to practice, and licensed by the State Bar of the State of Michigan to practice in the State of Michigan.
(c) The attorney shall act as legal advisor to and be attorney and counsel for, and shall be responsible solely to the council. He shall advise any officer or department head of the city in matters relating to his official duties when so requested and shall file with the clerk a copy of all written opinions given by him.
(d) The attorney shall prosecute all charter and ordinance violations and he shall 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 all records and files relating thereto as the council may direct.
(e) The attorney shall prepare or review all ordinances, contracts, bonds, and other written instruments which are submitted to him by the council and shall promptly give his opinion as to the legality thereof.
(f) The attorney shall call to the attention of the council all matters of law and changes or developments therein, affecting the city.
(g) The attorney shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed for him by this charter or by the council.
(h) Upon the recommendation of the attorney, or upon its own initiative, the council may retain special legal counsel to handle any matter in which the city has an interest, or to assist and counsel with the attorney therein.