Nebraska § 16-319 - City attorney; duties; compensation; additional legal assistance.
Full text of Nebraska Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 16-319 — City attorney; duties; compensation; additional legal assistance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-319. City attorney; duties; compensation; additional legal assistance.
The city attorney of a city of the first class shall be the legal advisor of the city council and other city officers. The city attorney shall commence, prosecute, and defend all suits and actions necessary to be commenced, prosecuted, or defended on behalf of the city, or that may be ordered by the city council. He or she shall attend meetings of the city council and give them his or her opinion upon any matters submitted to him or her, either orally or in writing as may be required. The mayor and city council shall have the right to pay the city attorney additional compensation for legal services performed by him or her for the city or to employ additional legal assistance and to pay for such legal assistance out of the funds of the city. Whenever the mayor and city council have by ordinance so authorized, the board of public works shall have the right to pay the city attorney additional compensation for legal services performed by him or her for it or to employ additional legal assistance other than the city attorney and pay such legal assistance out of funds disbursed under the orders of the board of public works.
City attorney is appointive officer and not principal officer; may be removed at any time by mayor with approval of majority of city council; and has no statutory power to make governmental decisions which affect the city. Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO v. City of Hastings, 198 Neb. 668, 254 N.W.2d 695 (1977).
Where city attorney joined in resisting action to recover funds, demand to bring action was not required. Arthur v. Trindel, 168 Neb. 429, 96 N.W.2d 208 (1959).
Source: official Nebraska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska § 16-319
What does Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 16-319 cover?
Section 16-319 ("City attorney; duties; compensation; additional legal assistance.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, the codified statutory law of Nebraska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nebraska § 16-319?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 16-319" (Nebraska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nebraska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nebraska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nebraska attorney.
How does Nebraska § 16-319 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nebraska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.