About The City Attorney’s Office

The office of the Columbus City Attorney is an elective position with the term of office being four years.

In the words of the Columbus City Charter, the City Attorney is “…the legal adviser of and attorney and counsel for the city, and for all officers and departments thereof in matters relating to their official duties.”   Sections 66 through 78 of the City Charter prescribe in full the scope of the City Attorney’s responsibilities.

Legislation enacted by City Council authorizes a table of organization that permits up to148 full time employees and up to 47 part time employees.   However, because of budget constraints, the number of full-time employees is 126 while the number of part-time employees is 33.   Of the full-time employees, 58 are attorneys.  Most employees’ salaries are paid out of the City’s General Fund, while others are paid for through either Enterprise Funds or grants.

The work of the office is carried on through several units of organization which are located in various offices throughout the City of Columbus.