Law Department
The Law Department has general charge of all legal work for the City of Brockton and represents the city in all litigation.
The City Solicitor acts as Corporate Counsel to the Mayor, department heads, and other city officials. The City Solicitor commences and prosecutes all legal proceedings and suits begun by the city; defends all actions, suits and claims brought against the city; and provides legal advice and opinions to public officials in matters related to their official duties.
The City Solicitor also oversees labor negotiations and grievances; workers’ compensation cases; tax delinquent proceedings; and reviews all municipal contracts, agreements, and insurance matters.
The Law Department oversees the examination of titles of property, deeds, obligations, contracts, bonds, leases, conveyances, agreements and other legal instruments required by ordinance or order of the City Council. They also handle property issues related to sale, purchase, lease, or eminent domain takings. Several Assistant City Solicitors serve as assistant legal counsel to the City under the direction of the City Solicitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does your department do for the city?
The attorneys in the Law Department serve as in-house legal counsel to the City of Brockton. Several assistant city solicitors (currently 4) serve as assistant legal counsel to the city under the direction of the City Solicitor. In their capacity as legal counsel for the City, the attorneys in the Brockton Law Department:
- Conduct legal research and render legal opinions as needed
- Provide legal advice to municipal officers, departments, commissions, and boards
- Advocate on behalf of City before boards, commissions, state agencies, and state and federal courts
- Defend and prosecute all litigation on behalf of the city, including preparing and responding to discovery, conducting depositions, drafting motions, and attending court proceedings
- Represent the City in all employment matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, union grievances, and personnel matters
- Draft and review municipal contracts, city ordinances, and other legal documents
- Negotiate and settle suits and claims on behalf of the City
- Prepare responses to public record requests as needed
The department also oversees the administration and defense of all workers' compensation cases filed with the city.
Who needs to use your department?
The attorneys in the Law Department serve as legal counsel and render legal advice for city officials, department heads, commissions, and boards. The Law Department does not serve members of the public directly, and we cannot provide legal advice to private citizens.
How do you help the people you serve?
City officials and employees contact the department directly for assistance and legal advice.
What are the most commonly asked questions you get in your department?
Often members of the public come to the Law Department seeking legal advice on private matters; however, as counsel for the city, we cannot provide legal advice to residents.