City Attorney
The city attorney's office is responsible for legal advice to the City Council and the city administration. The city attorney's office reviews city ordinances and contracts, assists with preparation and review of resolutions, and advises council and staff at public meetings.
This division also provides proactive legal advice to ensure that every action by the city is legally defensible, complies with the most current state of the law, and minimizes the potential for litigation. The city attorney's office also provides prosecution services in Des Moines Municipal Court.
The city attorney (or city attorney staff) cannot give legal advice about a personal legal issue. The city attorney represents the city government. The city attorney must decline to assist citizens with individual legal problems.