What's the Difference between a District Attorney and City Attorney?

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DISTRICT ATTORNEY

A d istrict attorney (DA) is an appointed or elected public official that represents the U.S. government in criminal cases in the local county in which they have jurisdiction.
The DA is responsible for all criminal prosecutions brought on behalf of the county, or the people of the county.

District attorneys have various responsibilities. Primarily, the DA decides whether the defendant will be charged with a crime based on the sufficiency of the evidence, which specific crimes will be charged against the defendant, and sets county-wide policy for criminal prosecutions.
DAs are also responsible for recommending sentencing, initiating further investigations, and presenting cases against suspects.
District attorneys supervise a staff of assistant district attorneys - also lawyers - who do most of the legal work and frequently appear in court.

A city attorney is a public official that represents a city, or a geographical area, in civil legal matters—not criminal matters like district attorneys.
Similar to how other attorneys would counsel their clients, a city attorney will advise the municipal government’s leadership on legal matters that will impact the city.

City attorneys guide leaders on matters related to ordinances, ethics, personnel, taxes, and other finances. They are also responsible for drafting city laws, contracts, resolutions, policies, and procedures, and reviewing all documents and memoranda to ensure the city’s legal interests are not compromised.
City attorneys also stay up-to-date on any changes to state or federal laws that may impact the city.
In larger cities, city attorneys may direct the city attorney’s office; prepare department budgets; and research/prepare legal opinions for the city council, city manager, department heads, staff, committees, commissions, and boards.

-Written & illustrated by Jamie Epstein, Countable News