The County Attorney is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to serve as its legal advisor. The County Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager, County Departments, and County appointed Boards and Commissions to ensure their activities conform to constitutional and County statutory requirements. This department prepares all ordinances and resolutions adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in addition to legislation proposed by the Board for enactment by the General Assembly.
The department is also responsible for preparing and reviewing all of the County’s legal documents, representing the County in all civil litigation, researching legal precedents, and reviewing and enforcing County ordinances. This office administers the execution process of all County contracts, and responds to all cable complaints that are received from New Hanover County citizens. This Department also presents cases in the small claims division of District Court, researches, files and defends bankruptcy claims on behalf of county departments, establishes collection policies and procedures for various county departments, and maintains legal documents for sewer projects.