Can the City Attorney give me legal advice?
No. The City Attorney represents the city as a governmental entity and provides legal advice only to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, and assigned City boards and commissions. By law and professional ethics rules, the City Attorney cannot provide legal advice to private individuals about their legal issues.
Can the City Attorney represent me in court since I'm a Raleigh resident?
No, the City Attorney may represent the City in legal matters but cannot represent private individuals in courts or in disputes involving the City.
Where can I get help with a personal legal issue?
For personal legal issues residents may contact a private attorney. A private attorney can represent their interests and advise about their rights in their specific circumstances. The North Carolina Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service can provide the names of private attorneys. Those attorneys make themselves available for a 30-minute one-time meeting at a reduced rate, $50 as of March 2026. Legal aid of North Carolina may also be able to help people who qualify for their assistance. Local legal clinics or self-help court resources are also available. You’ll find a list of Legal Resources on the City Attorney’s website.
I have a legal dispute with the City. Whom should I contact?
If you have a legal dispute with the City you may wish to consult a private attorney. Anyone may submit a claim against the City.
If you have a legal dispute with the City you may wish to consult a private attorney. Anyone may submit a claim for damages against the City if they believe that the City is legally responsible for damage they incurred. The City’s risk management office, a part of the Finance Department, manages the claims process. Independent adjusters who are not City employees evaluate and respond to claims against the City. Claims forms should be submitted in writing and directed to the risk management office. Filing a claim does not create an attorney-client relationship with the City Attorney's office.
How are city ordinances and resolutions adopted?
Ordinances and resolutions are adopted by the City Council at public meetings in accordance with North Carolina law. Proposed ordinances are placed on a public agenda, discussed, and voted on during an open meeting.
Where can I find the City Code and ordinances?
The City Code and many adopted ordinances are available online through a company, Municode, that is responsible for posting the City Code. The City Code and all City ordinances are also available through the City Clerk's Office.
Does the City Attorney attend City Council and all City board meetings?
The City Attorney attends all City Council meetings. Attorneys from the office attend and advise City boards and commissions that make quasi-judicial decisions—meaning that they take evidence and must base their decisions on the evidence provided. Most of these boards decide land use issues and are governed by State law requirements. Attorneys do not typically attend or advise boards that give policy advice to the City Council but may present information to those boards from time to time.
I have a zoning or development question. Where do I go?
Zoning and land use questions should be directed to the City's Planning and Development Department. The City Attorney's Office provides legal advice to City staff but does not make zoning determinations.
How can I contact the City Attorney's Office?
Our main number is 919-996-6560. Additional contact information, our office hours, and our mailing address is listed on the contact section of the City Attorney’s page.