The primary responsibility of the city attorney is to represent the legal aspects of city government, including boards and commissions. Drafting municipal ordinances and resolutions for consideration by the council and its various committees are integral parts of the function of this office. The city attorney advises and renders legal opinions on specific issues to ensure that actions taken by elected officials, the city manager, departments, and boards and commissions, will not conflict with applicable laws and administrative rules. Other duties include representation in all other legal actions to which the city is a party, whether in a state or federal court, consummating real estate transactions in which the city has an interest, providing advice and assistance in negotiations between the city and employees, and reviewing municipal contracts and official notices for compliance with legal requirements.

Mr. Johnson has been the city attorney for Clinton since 2001. Before returning home to Clinton, he held several positions including Assistant Attorney General, Statewide Special Prosecutor, and legal advisor to the State Board of Investigation. Mr. Johnson has been practicing law since 1 968. He holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and his J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been a visiting professor of law at Campbell University School of Law since 1982.