The litigation section represents the city, its officials and employees when they are sued or when the city has a claim against someone. Law Department attorneys represent the city in special litigation such as tax collection and eminent domain cases, in addition to personal injury cases, contract disputes, and civil rights cases. One attorney also manages the Law Department’s claims division. Two investigators work much as adjusters work for a private insurance company. By maintaining this office, claims can be paid when appropriate without the need for litigation, However, litigation attorneys regularly appear in state and federal trial courts as well as the appeals courts.

A dvice is given to every department of the city on legal issues they must confront. Ordinances introduced by the mayor, members of the City Council, the city manager or department directors are prepared by members of the corporate services staff. Corporate attorneys also concentrate their efforts in a wide variety of areas, including personnel, labor, workers’ compensation, aviation, environmental, utilities, municipal finance, telecommunications, and construction law.