2024 - Legal Department Annual Report

Home Browse Search

litigation. While John Dorbin directly manages outside counsel, all attorneys in the Department of Law, in consultation with Corporation Counsel who directs strategy and settlement authority, either engage directly in or assist with the management of outstanding litigation matters to ensure the most cost-effective approaches are taken. Claims 2024 claims 162 claims and $ 221,928.00 charges received paid to claimants Litigation Defense 9 cases resolved $0 's favor 0 cases settled in the City's paid to plaintiffs Of the above litigation matters in which the City was a defendant and which were resolved in the City's favor,2 required the payment to the City by Plaintiffs of a portion of the City's attorneys' fees totaling $4,685.25 to cover the cost of the City's defense of Plaintiffs' frivolous filings. Notably, the City won a jury verdict in favor of one of its SBPD officers in October 2024. No litigation matters in which the City was a defendant were resolved in favor of any Plaintiff in 2024. Twenty-eight (28) litigation cases in which the City was a named Defendant were outstanding as of December 31, 2024. Seven (7)litigation cases in which the City was a Plaintiff were outstanding as of December 31, 2024. Notably, the City settled its litigation against the parties responsible for damaging the trees in the Harter Heights neighborhood, with the Department of Law recommending that those funds be designated to assist the City's campaign to increase its tree canopy. Not included in this number are litigation cases initiated and other efforts to collect outstanding unpaid amounts owed to the City for ordinance violations and property damage recovery. In 2024, the Department of Law collected$502,564 in overdue amounts owed to the City. Excellent Services and Efficient Processes The Department of Law fields questions from the public,especially requests for public records, ticket appeals, and claims. Specifically, Assistant City Attorney Jessica McLain serves as ADA Coordinator to the City and responds to questions and concerns about accessibility of City services, programs, and activities. We strive to provide equitable, timely service, supporting the Administration's goal of Transparency. Access to Public Records Act (APRA) Requests The Department received and processed 2,323 requests in 2024 without violations.