The Office of the City Attorney is privileged to be an integral part of the City's Team and to provide counsel and assistance to the City Council, Mayor and the various Departments to ensure that City goals and policies are accomplished in compliance with all applicable laws.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the City Attorney's Office to provide sound legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Departments, Commissions and Committees.  It is also our mission to initiate and defend legal actions on behalf of the City, which may include City employment and personnel matters, condemnations, property issues, zoning issues, contract and lease disputes, and other causes of action in both State and Federal Courts.

Additionally, it is the mission of this office to prosecute in the criminal division of Bryant District Court misdemeanor offenses, traffic law and ordinance violations which occur within the city Limits in a thorough, efficacious, and equitable manner and to assist the authorized and assigned departments in the enforcement of laws and the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Bryant.

For a detailed look at all duties and responsibilities of the elected city attorney for the City of Bryant please reference the ordinance located at the bottom of this page.

Goals

• To promote integrity in all facets of work and professional conduce.
• To serve our community with competent professional legal representation.
• To treat all persons with a professional, respectful and compassionate manner.
• To be accountable for ensuring the policies of the office and the needs of the community are served.
• To be open and forthright in our communications with all parties involved in any city legal related issues.
• To work in a collaborative manner with law enforcement, all members of the criminal justice system and the community we serve in order to address the needs of the community, promote the highest possible level of quality of life and public safety for our City and our citizens.
• To show compassion and understanding to victims of crime and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect.
• To put the needs and best interests of the community before the personal and political interests of any individual or individuals.

Legal Advice to the Public

The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Bryant as represented by the elected Mayor and Council Members.  Because of that relationship, the office cannot represent or provide legal advice to the public, individual citizens or private organizations.  

General Explanation of Duties

This position is an elected position and the official must reside within the city limits of Bryant. The duties of this office include:

• Advise the Mayor, the City Council, members of city boards, commissions, and other city officials in all legal matters pertaining to city operations and interest.
• Represents the City of Bryant in all legal matters that result in litigation before local, state, and federal courts and administrative boards.
• Prepare ordinances and resolutions that come before the City Council for consideration.
• Attend city council, staff, and other meetings.
• Draft and review contracts, agreements, leases, and all other legal documents pertaining to city affairs.
• Respond to EEOC charges and requests for information.
• Respond to requests under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
• Update policies and ordinances to maintain compliance with changes in state and federal law.
• Work with outside counsel retained by City for preparation of bonds and litigation.
• The City Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of all criminal and civil City of Bryant code violations occurring within the corporate limits of the City of Bryant and shall persecute all misdemeanor criminal violations occurring within the corporate limits of the City of Bryant unless the city, if under contract with the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney or another qualified attorney to prosecute such criminal cases.

For a detailed look at all duties and responsibilities of the elected city attorney for the City of Bryant please reference the ordinance located at the bottom of this page.

Election Information

This office is currently held by Ashley Clancy, who was appointed in 2020 to complete the remaining 3 years in a four-year term that the previously elected official held. That term started January 1st, 2019, and ended December 31st, 2022. Clancy was reelected in 2022 and her term ends on December 31st, 2026.