Code of Alabama
Chapter 43C - Mayor-Council Form of Government in Class 5 Municipalities.
Section 11-43C-38 - Divisions of City Government; Executive Directors of Divisions; City Attorney; Outside Counsel.

(a) There are hereby created three divisions of city government: Public works, finance, and public safety. The mayor shall appoint department heads to the above divisions. Upon the first vacancy, of any nature whatsoever, in the office of police chief or fire chief, the mayor may appoint the police chief and fire chief, respectively, from outside the said merit system, with the approval of four members of the council who shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor; provided, however, such officers shall be removed from office only upon recommendation of the mayor with the approval of four council members.
(b) The mayor also is authorized to appoint a city attorney who shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor and shall be compensated in the manner and at a rate approved by the mayor. In addition to the city attorney, the mayor, from time to time in his sole discretion, is authorized to obtain additional legal counsel outside of the city merit system to advise and defend him in his capacity of mayor and in the pursuit of the operation of government.
(c) Upon approval by a majority of those present and voting, the council, from time to time when it deems necessary and reasonable, is authorized to obtain legal counsel outside the city merit system to advise and defend them in their respective capacities as council members and in the pursuit of the operation of government.

Structure Code of Alabama