City Attorney Patrice Perkins updates Atlanta Council on litigation and claims management efforts

The Atlanta City Council's Public Safety and Legal Affairs (PSLA) Committee convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss significant updates from various departments, including corrections and the Department of Law. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance city services and address community concerns.

A key focus was the commendation of the corrections staff for their outreach efforts, particularly during the ATL Fresh and Free event, where they served nearly 1,200 individuals. Council members expressed appreciation for the often-overlooked work of corrections personnel, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their contributions to public safety and community engagement.

The Department of Law provided a quarterly update, detailing a shift towards utilizing in-house attorneys to manage litigation, which has resulted in a decrease in reliance on outside counsel. This strategic move aims to reduce costs while maintaining effective legal representation for the city. The department reported a significant number of claims filed against the city, with a total of 194 new claims and 238 resolved during the reporting period. The city has been successful in settling claims for a fraction of the amounts initially demanded, showcasing the department's commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Council members raised questions regarding recent tort reform legislation and its implications for the city. The city attorney clarified that while some technical aspects of the law may benefit municipal litigation processes, the lack of expanded sovereign immunity for municipalities remains a concern. This limitation could impact the city's ability to manage liability effectively.

Additionally, discussions included the need for specialized legal expertise, particularly in environmental law, which the city currently lacks due to budget constraints. The committee acknowledged the challenges posed by complex litigation cases that necessitate outsourcing to specialized firms.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative options that could enhance the city's legal framework and address community needs, particularly in relation to blighted properties and the judicial process for property management. The PSLA Committee's discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to improve city governance and responsiveness to public safety and legal challenges.