There shall be a town solicitor appointed by the town council at its first meeting following its election, to serve for a term of two years or until his or her successor is appointed. Any person so appointed shall be a member of the bar of the State of Rhode Island in good standing but need not be a resident of Middletown. The town solicitor need not devote full time to the duties of the office. The town solicitor shall receive such compensation for services as may be determined by the council. The town solicitor shall be the attorney for the town and legal advisor to the council, town administrator, and all other offices, departments and agencies of the town. The town solicitor shall appear for and protect the rights of the town in all actions, suits or proceedings, civil or criminal, brought by or against it or for or against any of its officers, departments or agencies, and shall perform such other duties as the council may require. All written legal opinions furnished to the council and to all town officers, departments or agencies shall be filed with the town clerk and become a public record. The town solicitor shall examine and approve the forms of all ordinances and resolutions and the forms of all invitations for bids, contracts and other legal documents sent out by any office, department or agency of the town. (Amended, November 4, 2008.)