ARTICLE 15
DEPARTMENT OF LAW

   Section 1501. Department of Law; County Attorney. There shall be a Department of Law headed by the County Attorney. She shall be duly admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York and a resident of the County. The County Attorney shall be appointed by the County Executive subject to confirmation by the County Legislature as provided in Section 302(c) of this Charter, and serve at the pleasure of the County Executive.

   Section 1502. Powers and duties. The County Attorney shall be the chief legal advisor for the County, and every agency and officer thereof, on all civil matters and proceedings. The County Attorney shall prosecute and defend on behalf of the County all civil actions and proceedings brought by or against the County, County officers and employees. She shall prepare all necessary papers and written instruments in connection with such representation; prepare resolutions, ordinances, legalizing acts and local laws on request to be presented for action by the County Legislature, notices and other items in connection with the County Legislature, and perform such other and related duties as may be prescribed by applicable law, the County Executive or by resolution of the County Legislature.

   Section 1503. Assistant County Attorneys. The County Attorney shall have the power to appoint such confidential Assistant County Attorneys, officers and employees of her Department, as shall be authorized by the County Legislature and within the appropriations made by the County Legislature. All Assistant County Attorneys shall be duly admitted to practice law in the State of New York, be in the exempt class of the civil service and serve at the pleasure of the County Attorney.