Deputy City Attorney Mary Shannon details Milwaukee legal office's staffing challenges

In a pivotal session of the Milwaukee City Council, Deputy City Attorney Mary Schanning provided a stark overview of the challenges facing the city’s legal office. During her testimony, she highlighted the critical staffing shortages that have left the office struggling to manage its extensive responsibilities, particularly in light of the upcoming Republican National Convention.

Schanning, who has been with the Milwaukee City Attorney's Office since 2011, detailed the current state of the office, which is operating with nine vacancies and is short one deputy attorney. This staffing crisis has raised concerns about the city’s legal representation and the potential for important legal matters to be neglected. “If we are not fully staffed, things tend to fall through the cracks,” Schanning warned, emphasizing the risks associated with inadequate legal oversight.

The city attorney's office is tasked with a broad range of legal duties, including litigation, contract management, and handling citations issued by the Milwaukee Police Department. Schanning noted that the office is essential for ensuring that the city, Milwaukee Public Schools, and the housing authority are legally protected and well-represented.

As the city prepares for the Republican National Convention in July, the urgency of filling these vacancies has become even more pronounced. Schanning's testimony underscores the importance of a fully staffed legal team to navigate the complexities of city governance and protect against potential legal pitfalls.

The implications of this staffing shortage are significant, as the city’s ability to respond to legal challenges and provide timely advice to various departments is compromised. The council's discussions will likely continue to focus on strategies to address these staffing issues and ensure that Milwaukee's legal needs are met effectively.