The First Municipality Council, by ordinance of May 20, 1840, provided for the appointment of two attorneys, a principal Attorney and a second Attorney. The principal or first attorney had the control and management of all claims that the municipality felt compelled to prosecute by judicial proceedings. He was to furnish to the Council monthly a report on the suits instituted and their progress.

Subsequent ordinances (see those of March 8 and May 17, 1841) made it clear that the second attorney was to act only with the concurrence and approbation of the principal. The second attorney also reported monthly to the Council on the "situation of all cases confided to his care." He also was to pay monthly to the Treasurer all sums that he collected during that period.

The ordinances of the municipality made it clear that no suits were to be instituted by any other officer than the first or second attorneys.