A significant part of any attorney’s work is helping their clients identify and avoid risk. As attorneys representing the City of Raleigh, members of the City Attorney’s Office protect the City from risks that are a part of any local government’s day-to-day operations. Attorneys also assist City departments to carry out their objectives. Whether drafting a contract, negotiating a complex property transaction, interpreting State law environmental requirements, enforcing City Code requirements, or defending the City in court, a Raleigh City Attorney is likely involved.
Karen McDonald, City Attorney, leads the office and sits as the legal advisor at all City Council meetings. The office is divided into teams led by the Deputy City Attorneys and one Sr. Deputy City Attorney.
Residents occasionally ask if an attorney with the City Attorney’s Office can give them legal advice. They cannot; members of the office can give legal advice only to the City Council and members of City departments to assist them with City business.
Attorneys in the Office cannot give legal advice or provide legal representation to private citizens.