The City Charter establishes a Department of Law, consisting of the City Attorney and such assistant attorneys and other staff as authorized by the City Council. The City Attorney serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is appointed by the Council for an indefinite term. The position is that of a full-time City employee, with all the responsibilities, expectations, and benefits of City employment. The City of Martinsville, City Council, and City employees, shall be the sole client of the City Attorney.

The authority and responsibilities of the City Attorney are established by the City Charter, City Code, and by action of the City Council and include:

• Act as legal advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and departments, boards, commissions, and agencies of the City; provide interpretations of codes, ordinances, statutes, regulations, and legal and legislative proceedings; furnish written opinions on questions of law when requested.
• b)Prepare ordinances, deeds, contracts, agreements, leases, franchises, releases, and other legal documents on behalf of the City.
• c)Review and advise or assist in the negotiation of contracts, leases, bonds, and bids.
• d)Assist in the development of and compliance with various City policies, including personnel and procurement.Assist in personnel matters, including policy development, training, and interpretation; participate in grievance procedures when appropriate.
• f)Institute, prosecute, and participate in legal proceedings necessary to protect the interest of the City.
• g)Manage any potential, threatened, or actual litigation, representing the City as counsel or engaging and coordinating with outside counsel when appropriate.
• h)Defend City employees in actions brought against them for conduct while in the line of duty.
• i)Oversee and manage City real estate matters, including the preparation of leases, contracts, title research, and the sale of tax delinquent property.
• j)Manage the City’s risk management and self-insurance programs; respond to claims against the City. Build effective internal and external working relationships, work in partnership with the City Manager and collaborate, as needed, with the Constitutional Officers.
• l)Prepare and present training to City staff, City Council, and members of boards and commissions on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Conflict of Interest Act (COIA), and the Records Retention Act. Assist with responses to FOIA requests.
• m)Monitor legislation proposed in the Virginia General Assembly, advise City Council and the City Manager of potential impacts, and assist City Council in developing a position on proposed legislation; communicate Council’s position to members of the General Assembly. Monitor Federal legislation and regulations impacting local governments and interact with Congressional representatives.
• n)Attend City Council meetings in person or assign an assistant to do so.
• o)Appoint and remove such Assistant City Attorneys and other employees as shall be authorized by the City Council.
• p)Fulfill other duties as may be assigned by City Council.