Understanding The City Attorney's Role

摘要

City governance is based on myriad complex laws, and so is the city attorney's role. Attorneys must comply with the California State Bar's extensive Rules of Professional Conduct, often referred to as "duties." An attorney who violates the rules may be disciplined or even lose his or her license to practice law. Two basic rules, the client rule and the duty of competent representation rule, shape the responsibility of a city attorney. Knowledge of these rules helps in understanding the city attorney's role in city governance and the decision-making process. The Client Rule: "In representing an organization, a member shall conform his or her representation to the concept that the client is the organization itself, acting through its highest authorized officer, employee, body or constituent overseeing the particular engagement."