Laura K. Drewry is the new city attorney and first woman to hold City Hall’s top legal post.

City Council on Monday voted unanimously to promote the veteran city lawyer to a post that is equivalent to attorney general for city government.

She will lead a staff of 18 attorneys who represent all elements of the government, including council, the Mayor’s Office, all administrative departments and all boards, commissions and agencies, including the transit and retirement systems and the public libraries.

Saying, “I am honored and appreciate the opportunity,” Ms. Drewry was immediately sworn in as the replacement for Haskell C. Brown III, who retired after being arrested for drunken driving earlier this year.

A graduate of the George Mason University Law School, Ms. Drewry joined the office in 2006 and previously was one of five deputy city attorneys.

Her role as deputy included managing civil litigation, particularly in the areas of employment and workers compensation.

She also has been the primary legal representative for the fire department, GRTC, human resources, the Richmond Li- brary Board, the Richmond Personnel Board and the Richmond Retirement Board.