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 some municipalities, the city attorney position holds considerable influence. For instance, the elected position of San Francisco City Attorney is crucial because of the broad range of duties connected to the role. Unlike other California counties, San Francisco functions as a consolidated city-county, which means that the San Francisco City Attorney oversees legal responsibilities in areas typically handled by county counsel (such as county health and social services) as well as the duties of all California city attorneys (police and fire).