Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of the City Attorney
April 24, 2025 - Freeport, IL
In the complex workings of local government, few roles are as misunderstood — yet as crucial — as that of the City Attorney. As watchdogs of legality and defenders of due process, City Attorneys play a pivotal part in ensuring our city government functions within the bounds of the law, while serving the best interests of the public. So, what exactly does a City Attorney do? Who do they answer to? And how should they interact with the mayor, city council, and city staff?
Let’s break it down.
The Role and Purpose of the City Attorney
At its core, the City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the city. Their job is to provide clear, impartial legal advice and representation to the city’s elected officials and staff. This includes drafting and reviewing ordinances, negotiating contracts, advising on city policies, and representing the city in court when necessary.
But their job goes far beyond legal jargon. The City Attorney is there to ensure that the decisions made by city leaders are legally sound, transparent, and accountable to the people. They help prevent costly lawsuits and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal law — ideally keeping Freeport out of legal trouble before it starts.
Freeport’s City Attorney: Who Represents Us
In Freeport, legal representation for the city is provided by Sosnowski Szeto, LLP, a law firm based out of Rockford, Illinois. Residents will most often recognize Aaron N. Szeto, who appears on a weekly basis at city meetings as the primary attorney representing the city.
Szeto's consistent presence ensures continuity and familiarity in legal counsel, but it’s important to remember that his role — like any City Attorney — is to serve the legal interests of the city as a whole, not any one official or department.
Working With City Council, the Mayor, and Staff
The City Attorney works closely with all branches of city leadership. Here’s how those relationships should function:
City Council: The City Attorney is the legal advisor to the city council as a body — not to individual council members. Their duty is to provide objective guidance on whether proposed actions or policies align with the law.
The Mayor: While the mayor may work closely with the City Attorney, particularly on executive functions, the attorney’s job is not to “side” with the mayor — just as they shouldn’t “side” with any single council member. Their role is to help the mayor understand the legal framework within which executive decisions must be made.
City Staff: From the city manager to department heads, the City Attorney is a resource for city staff to consult on legal questions that arise during day-to-day operations. Whether it’s zoning, personnel issues, or regulatory compliance, the attorney ensures staff actions adhere to the law.
That said, it’s essential to remember: the City Attorney is not a tool to carry out political agendas. Their legal advice must remain neutral, even when the political waters are choppy.
Who the City Attorney Represents — and Where Their Loyalty Lies
Here’s the most critical point: The City Attorney ultimately represents the city as a legal entity, not any individual person or political faction.
Their client is the people of Freeport, through their elected government as a whole. Their loyalty must lie with the rule of law, the city charter, and the public interest. They are not the “mayor’s lawyer” or “the council’s lawyer” — they are the City’s lawyer.
This distinction matters because it underscores the ethical responsibility the City Attorney holds. They must not bend legal interpretations to suit political motives. Instead, they must be honest — even when it’s unpopular — and uphold the law, even if it means telling city leaders something they don’t want to hear.
Why It Matters for Freeport
In times of political division or public mistrust, the City Attorney’s role becomes even more vital. They serve as a safeguard against legal overreach, corruption, or negligence. Their presence at council meetings, their legal memos, and their quiet work behind the scenes are part of what keeps our democratic system functioning.
For city government to truly serve its residents, the City Attorney must be allowed — and expected — to do their job independently and with integrity. Any attempts to politicize the position or use it as a weapon against political opponents should be seen for what they are: threats to good governance.
Let’s remember — when our leaders follow sound legal advice, they serve us better. When they don’t, it’s not just a technical violation — it’s a breach of public trust.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay Fighting4Freeport.