Office of Law

The Office of Law is a full service municipal law office consisting of the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorneys, Legislative and Policy Analyst, and Legal Assistant. The City Attorney's primary role includes providing legal advice and counsel to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Annapolis and to all City Departments and agencies. The City Attorney is also the Director of the Office of Law.

The Office of Law negotiates and drafts City contracts and reviews for legal form and sufficiency all documents to be executed by the City or to which the City is a party. The City Attorney also handles collective bargaining negotiations with the City's four unions as well as real property transactions, public works and procurement agreements on behalf of the City.

City Attorney's Responsibilities

As legal advisor and counselor to the Mayor, the City Attorney routinely attends meetings and briefings with the Mayor and provides legal counsel in the formation of legislative and administrative policy.

The Office of Law is also charged with the preparation of all charter amendments, ordinances, and resolutions introduced for consideration by the Annapolis City Council.

In addition, the City Attorney is responsible for the management, prosecution and defense of all litigation involving the City. Annapolis is a self-insured City and the Office of Law handles all tort claims against the City, its officials and employees.

As provided by the City Charter and Code, the City Attorney is legal counsel to all City Departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and committees. In that capacity, the City Attorney drafts legal opinions and provides legal advice to various boards, commissions and agencies of the City.