City Attorney

Thomas Leeper

Contact

Thomas Leeper

City Attorney

Email

Ph: (936) 291-5402

Fax: (936) 291-5409

 

Business Hours

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Mon. - Fri.

 

Our purpose

The purpose of the Office of City Attorney (Department of Law) is to represent the City in all litigation and legal proceedings and to provide legal advice to the City of Huntsville’s offices and departments and to City officials (in their official capacities) so that they may make informed decisions and govern lawfully.

 

Description of our services

The Office of City Attorney drafts, approves or files written legal objections to every ordinance adopted by City Council, and passes upon all documents, contracts and legal instruments in which the City may have an interest. The Office of the City Attorney drafts necessary ordinances, resolutions, and contracts requested by various City departments. The Office of City Attorney responds to all oral and written inquiries from officials, offices and departments; is prepared on behalf of the City at all necessary meetings and hearings; assists as needed in negotiation of agreements; analyzes legal compliance and implications of proposed actions; and is on call for legal services at all times.


Client Relationship

The City Attorney's client and the nature of the City Attorney's work is not well understood by the community at-large.

Many Citizens believe that the City Attorney serves as the attorney for the community rather than for a Municipal Corporation. The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Huntsville, as an entity. Because of the nature of the City Attorney's role, we cannot represent or provide legal advice to individual citizens, groups or other entities. We are therefore unable to respond to individual requests for legal advice or representation.

 

Goals

  • Adhere to the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Provide cost effective and accurate legal advice to the City Council, its boards and City staff.


Objectives

  • Be responsive to all oral and written inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Prepare or review all necessary legal documents in a timely manner.
  • Be prepared on behalf of the City at all necessary meetings and hearings.
  • Be on call for legal services at all times.