The Law Department represents the City in all legal matters and litigation, provides legal advice and opinions to City departments and agencies, and is responsible for prosecuting violations of City ordinances in Municipal Court. The position of City Attorney was established in 1875. The 1890 City Charter created the Law Department headed by the Corporation Counsel. The title was changed to City Attorney in 1977.
Files of Suzanne Skinner relating to a 2004 executive order directing City departments to recognize same sex marriages in the same manner as opposite sex marriages. At that time, same sex marriage was outlawed in Washington State, but the policy was meant to apply to couples married in other states. Files cover Mayor Nickels's executive order and public statements, implications for employee benefits and retirement, and development of related legislation. Also covered is a lawsuit against the city seeking to prohibit the order from being implemented.
Records are open to the public.
[Item and date], Same Sex Marriage Records, Record Series 4405-01. Box [number], Folder [number]. Seattle Municipal Archives.