Department of Law

Our Work

Our Work

civil rights laws

Litigation

Chief Trial Counsel: Elena Boop

We represent the City in matters pending in various forums, including those involving civil-rights and police misconduct claims, contracts and construction disputes, environmental issues, and First Amendment matters. The Litigation section defends the City in negligence actions and pursues claims where the City is a victim of property damage.
 

CPD Careers

Labor and Employment

Chief Assistant Director of Law: Mark V. Webber

We counsel City departments on labor and employment matters, defends departments in employment litigation and administrative hearings, and negotiates with labor unions.

wind turbine

Operations & Sustainability

Chief Assistant Director of Law: Geraldine Butler

We protects the health of residents and the environment while providing environmental support for Brownfield projects. The Operations & Sustainability section counsels and represents the City's electric and water utilities, the City Department of Public Health, and both the Offices of Sustainability and Professional Standards.

code enforcement

Code Enforcement

Chief Assistance Director of Law: David Roberts

Few fight for residents' quality of life through enforcement of the City's housing, building, fire, health, and zoning codes. This section counsels and represents the Department of Building & Housing with respect to code enforcement.

Houses in Cleveland

House Counsel

Chief Assistant Director of Law: Stephanie Melnyk

We counsel the City regarding municipal law and finances, drafts legislation and contracts, and prosecutes tax cases.

aerial view of Cleveland

Development

Chief Assistant Director of Law: Richard Bertovich

We help the City's economic development efforts by counseling and crafting real estate and development transactions for job creation. The  Development section counsels and represents the  Departments of Community Development, Economic Development, and Port Control (airports).

fire inspections

Public Safety

Chief Assistant Director of Law: William Menzalora

We counsel the Department of Public Safety, including the Divisions of Police, Fire, and Emergency Management Services, in all areas of law.

police headquarters in cleveland brown building

Criminal Division

Chief Assistant Prosecutor: Aqueelah Jordan

The City of Cleveland’s Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes, including domestic violence, assault, traffic offenses, and theft. Prosecutors also review (or recommend County review) of incidents that may be felonies. Prosecutors review police use of deadly force and internal investigations to determine whether prosecution is fitting. Misdemeanor Investigators in this division assist citizens with criminal complaints and alternative dispute resolutions for criminal matters within the City of Cleveland.