The City Attorney serves as legal advisor and attorney for the City of Gulfport (governmental entity) and its officials and employees as well as serves as Director of the City’s “Legal Department,” which is comprised of the City Attorney’s Office and the City Prosecutor’s Office.  Because of the nature of the City Attorney’s role, his office cannot represent or provide legal advice to non-City officials or employees, such as citizens, groups or other entities.  Among other things, the City Attorney and legal staff advise the Mayor, CAO, City Council, department directors and other city employees; oversee the prosecution of misdemeanor crimes and traffic offenses in Gulfport Municipal Court and their appeals; serve as legal counsel during various public meetings involving City officials and employees; support the legislative and administrative processes with respect to ordinances, contracts, leases, legal research, legal opinions and litigation; and represent the City’s legal interests in judicial tribunals and associated litigation and in legislative and administrative processes.