City Code Online

Under the Charter of the City of Santa Clara (Section 908), the responsibilities of the City Attorney's Office consist of the following:

• Represent and advise the City Council and all City officers in all matters of law pertaining to their offices
• Represent and appear for the City and any City officer or employee or former City officer or employee, in any or all actions and proceedings on which the City or any such officer or employee, in or by reason of his/her official capacity is concerned or is a party, but the City Council shall have control of all legal business and proceedings and may employ other attorneys to take charge of any litigation or matter or to assist the City Attorney therein
• Attend all meetings of the City Council and give his/her advice or opinion in writing whenever requested to do so by the City Council, or by any of the boards or officers of the City
• Approve the form of all bonds given to and all contracts made by the City, endorsing his/her approval thereon in writing
• Prepare any and all ordinances or resolutions for City and amendments thereof
• Prosecute on behalf of the people all criminal cases for violation of the Charter and of City ordinances