City Attorney: Derek Rooney

In order to fulfill the obligations of government and keep city offices running smoothly, all city governments need the services of attorneys. As a small to medium sized city with its "Government Lite" philosophy, Bonita Springs has two attorneys to advise city officials and staff with their day-to-day functioning and represent the city in the following capacities:

Advising– The city attorney, or the assistant, attends department and board meeting of the various city agencies to answer questions of city officials as they arise. Since the functions of city departments are varied, each are assigned tasks.

Document Preparation– The City Attorney helps conduct the business of government by preparing legal documents. City attorneys help draft ordinances, contracts, agreements, regulations, and other necessary documents. They use their legal training to draft documents in a way that makes the rights and obligations of the city, its citizens and its goods and services providers clear, in order to avoid later misunderstandings and unnecessary litigation.

Litigation– In order to conduct the business of government, it is sometimes necessary to defend or file lawsuits. For example, if a private service provider has not fulfilled their contract with the city, the department who hired them may decide to sue. Trial lawyers are generally retained to handle lawsuits, under the supervision of the City Attorney who monitors the case closely. Bonita Springs has been sued or named in a lawsuit for a variety of reasons. Many times the insurance carrier assigns an attorney, who once again, works closely with the City Attorney. Depending on the type of case, outside lawyers are either retained or the City Attorney's Office handles the case using its in-house counsel.

Community Outreach– Although the city attorney does not provide legal services to the public–their attorney-client relationship is with the city itself—the City Attorney will assist residents with informational services to assist the residents in finding other legal assistance, as well as obtaining various city services.


Derek Rooney, City Attorney 
Contact Information:
Office: (239)-949-6254

Carly Sanseverino, Assistant City Attorney
Contact Information:
Office: (239) 949-6253
Email: [email protected]