2024 - Legal Department Annual Report

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Amicus Briefs The Department of Law reviews requests to sign on to amicus briefs and analyzes them based upon the goals of the City. In 2024, the Department of Law did not sign on to any amicus briefs. National Litigation Opioid Litigation The Legal Team worked with our outside co-counsel to represent the City's interests in the National Opioid Litigation. We collected $206,857.25 as the City's share of restricted settlement funds from the State of Indiana, as well as $37,888.74 as the City's share of unrestricted settlement funds from the State. Additionally, we collected $27,641.62 in restricted funds and$3,968.01 in unrestricted funds as our share of the settlement with Walgreens. .i► PFAS The Department of Law worked with the Department of Public Works and our outside counsel to enter into nationwide litigation surrounding PFAS (perfluorooctanic acid—PFOA, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid — PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid — PFHxS, and perfluorononanoic acid—PFNA), otherwise known as "the forever chemicals." When used, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air. The City entered into litigation surrounding PFAS emanating from Aqueous Film-Forming Foam in the City's aquifers and wells.Members of the City's Water Works division of the Department of Public Works have been testing the City's water sources and completing paperwork to prove the levels of PFAS in the City's water supply that will need to be remediated. We expect to receive funds in 2025 from the settlements with 3M and DuPont. Effective, Responsive Leadership and Communication The Department of Law provides daily in-house legal counsel to each of the Departments, Boards, and Commissions of the City of South Bend. This valuable service is provided at no hourly charge to the City and results in effective interdepartmental collaboration and joint accomplishments, driven by highly responsive and accessible legal counsel. 2025 STRATEGIC GOALS The Department of Law aims to achieve the following goals in 2025: • Continue to demonstrate a diligent and resolute litigation strategy that supports the ability of the City to deliver good government and allows residents to live a safe, healthy, meaningful life in South Bend; • Continue to work cross-departmentally to update Municipal Code provisions; • Continue to cross-train Department of Law staff and attorneys to better situate the Department to serve the City's needs; • Continue to improve collection services; 9 I I'