Legal Department

About

The City Attorney provides legal services to the City Council, the Council’s various standing and Ad hoc committees, boards and commissions of the City, the City Manager, and department heads. The City Attorney represents the City in all matters in which the City has an interest coming before any court, tribunal, quasi-judicial or legislative body, and commences and prosecutes all actions and suits to be commenced by the City or any of its officers in his/her official capacity. He appears, defends and advocates the rights or interests of the City in any suit or prosecution wherein any estate, right, privilege, ordinance, or act of the City or any breach of any statute or ordinance may be brought into question. In addition, the City Attorney reviews and comments upon all deeds, leases, contracts, and other legal interests tendered to him prior to their execution or acceptance and renders all legal opinions as may be requested of him.

The City Attorney’s Office represents the City of Rochester. Consequently, the City Attorney’s Office cannot represent individuals and cannot give a private individual or business any type of legal advice. We cannot answer legal questions that do not involve City business.


Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Legal Department to improve the quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the legal services provided to the City of Rochester. In an ever-evolving and complex legal landscape, the primary objective of this Department is to limit the liability of the City of Rochester by assisting municipal employees and officials in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in this environment.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Terence O'Rourke City Attorney 335-7599
Jenn Mutolo Executive Assistant Paralegal 335-7599