In some cities, the city attorney position is very powerful. For example, the elected position of San Francisco City Attorney is important due to the large array of duties associated with the office. Unlike all other California counties, San Francisco is a consolidated city-county, meaning that the San Francisco City Attorney handles legal duties in areas that would in other counties be the responsibility of the county counsel (such as county health and social services functions) as well as the duties of all California city attorneys (police and fire).
In certain urban centers, the city attorney's authority is substantial. For example, the elected position of San Francisco City Attorney is vital due to its multifaceted role. Unlike other counties in California, San Francisco operates as a unified city-county, where the San Francisco City Attorney assumes jurisdiction over legal matters that would normally fall under county counsel (such as health and social services) and also encompasses the duties of all California city attorneys (police and fire).