Every city must have a department of law which is headed by the chief legal officer of the city.  In third class cities the chief legal officer is the city attorney who is appointed by the mayor and must be admitted to the practice of law in Indiana and a resident of the county in which the city is located.

The city attorney manages the legal affairs of the city and touches the lives of virtually every citizen of Huntingburg, Indiana.  Among other things, he is responsible for prosecuting city ordinance violations; giving legal advice to officers, departments, boards and commissions of the city; drafting ordinances and other legal documents for the city; making title searches and examining abstracts required in all public works.  The city attorney commences proceedings necessary or advisable for the protection or enforcement of rights of the city or the public; collecting costs, fees, and recoveries owing the city; and reporting to the mayor on all legal matters involving the city.

No department, board or office of the city may employ legal counsel without the city attorney's authorization, with the exception of the clerk-treasurer and the common council.