Coral Gables is one of the most historic Cities in Miami-Dade County. Responsibility for governing the City falls upon the Coral Gables Commissioners. The City Commission appoints three officials –the City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney, which are responsible for distinct functions of municipal government. The City Attorney is the chief legal officer of the City. The office of the City Attorney is instrumental in guiding the City Commission and Administration in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
Under the direction of Elizabeth M. Hernandez, the Office of the City Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the City Commission, City Boards and Committees, the City Clerk and City Manager as well as the various City departments and agencies.
The office presents continuous educational courses to its boards, committees, officers and employees and has developed and implemented numerous preventive law programs. The City Attorney represents the City in all litigation matters affecting the city including zoning disputes, contract and bid disputes, tort claims, workers compensation matters, commercial litigation and constitutional challenges to the City Charter and Codes. The City Attorney is also responsible for the investigation and handling of all claims served on the City. The office drafts city contracts, ordinances, resolutions and the various legal documents required by the Charter, Code or City Commission, such as restrictive covenants and liens.
The City Attorney is board certified in City, County and Local Government Law, and serves on the executive council of the Florida Bar, Local Government Section, as well as the executive council of the Florida Municipal Attorneys Association. In addition, she serves on both the Federalism Committee and the Policy Advisory Committee of the International Municipal Lawyers Association, and on the Ethics Committee of the American Bar Association.
Charter Review Committee Documents
Final Report and Recommendation of the Charter Review Committee - December 13, 2004
Recommendations
Report and Recommendations of Charter Review Committee "Corrected"
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Contact Information
405 Biltmore Way, City Attorney’s Office,
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305)460-5218
Email the City Attorney
