City Law Department reports increased in-house case handling, claims reductions and contract support

City Attorney Patrice Perkins presented the Department of Law’s quarterly update to the Public Safety Committee on Oct. 13, saying the office has increased in-house handling of litigation and reduced the claims backlog while supporting major city transactions.

Perkins said litigation matters totaled 392 open cases during the quarter, with 68% handled in-house and 122 matters referred to outside counsel when needed. Claims staff opened 335 new claims in the quarter and resolved 227, and the department said it had reduced an earlier backlog significantly; payments accounted for a small share of amounts claimed in contested matters.

Perkins described a broad workload across the department’s business-services, municipal-governance, aviation and labor-and-employment teams: contract drafting and solicitation review, bond closings related to major financings, real-estate matters and water/sewer appeals. She said the department handled a marked increase in external legal spending compared with the prior fiscal year driven by case complexity and noted the team supports municipal court, public safety and finance on recurring legal questions.

Perkins introduced deputies who manage litigation, municipal-court matters, aviation and contracts and highlighted that much of the department’s legal work is delivered with a small team and tight budget. She invited committee members to ask for specific follow-ups and said the department continues to refine turnaround times and internal processes.

The committee thanked the Law Department for accessibility and for advising on recent matters.