City Attorney

The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the Mayor, City Council, and all city departments. This role leads the Law Department, defends the City in litigation, ensures compliance with the New Orleans City Charter and state and federal law, responsible for city contracts, and safeguards the city’s legal and financial interests.

Charter authority & scope:

Head of the Law Department; supervises all legal affairs, advises Mayor and Council, represents the City, manages litigation and contracts (HRC § 4-401 et seq.).

Reporting Structure: 

Reports to and represents the Mayor and the Council

Key Responsibilities

•  Serve as chief legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, boards, commissions, and all city departments.

•  Provide legal opinions on legislation, contracts, ordinances, and city policies.

•  Ensure the City’s compliance with the New Orleans City Charter, state statutes, and federal law.

•  Oversee legal review of contracts, procurement, land use, labor relations, collective bargaining, and other city matters.

•  Manage all litigation involving the City, including civil, labor, and constitutional claims, in coordination with outside counsel as appropriate.

•  Oversee prosecution of municipal offenses, code enforcement matters, and representation of the City in administrative hearings.

•  Lead and manage the Law Department, including assistant city attorneys, litigation teams, and administrative staff.

•  Ensure the City’s legal strategies protect its financial interests while advancing public policy goals.

•  Modernize the Law Department to increase efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Louisiana. Preferably admitted to all courts in Louisiana.
• Minimum of 5 years legal experience. Preferred 12 years of legal experience with some work in government, municipal, or public law.
• Demonstrated expertise in municipal law, litigation, contracts, labor law, and administrative law.
• Strong management experience leading legal teams in a complex organization.
• Exceptional judgment, communication, and negotiation skills.

Benefits information will be available in the future.