▼

City Attorney

Show All Answers

1. Does the City Attorney's Office represent private citizens?

No. The City Attorney’s Office does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the Office represent the City’s elected officials and staff, City departments, and the City’s independent boards and commissions.

2. What is the difference between the Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office?

The City Attorney’s Office represents the City, its elected officials and staff, City departments and the City’s independent boards and commissions in all civil matters. The Ramsey County Attorney represents the County.

3. What is the Civil Litigation Division?

The Civil Litigation Division is one of the three divisions within the St. Paul City Attorney's Office. The attorneys within the division prosecute and defend all civil claims on behalf of the City in state and federal court. Currently there are five Assistant City Attorneys and one supervising attorney assigned to the division.

4. What kind of lawsuits does the Civil Litigation Division handle?

The Civil Litigation Division handles all civil lawsuits on behalf of the City, its public officials, and employees. The lawsuits range from fairly simple cases to complex cases with high levels of exposure. Previous lawsuits have involved public officials' liability, claims of constitutional and civil rights violations, claims arising under the Americans with Disability Act, wrongful death, personal injury and tort actions, as well as commercial and construction disputes.

5. How can I follow the progress of a lawsuit the city is involved in?

It is possible to follow the progress of civil litigation once it is filed with the courts. In both state and federal court, events occurring during the litigation process are generally considered public information. Pending federal litigation can be tracked online by using a court file number. The federal courts charge a nominal fee for accessing this information. Inquiries into how to obtain such information should be directed to the courts. To access other court web pages, please see "Quick Links" here.

6. Is the Saint Paul City Attorney's Office able to give me legal advice?

The short answer is "No." The attorneys within the Civil Litigation Division represent the City of Saint Paul and its officials, and are not able to provide legal advice to private citizens.

7. Will you answer simple legal questions and/or explain the law as it relates to a particular issue?

The attorneys within the Civil Litigation Division are unable to provide legal advice to private citizens. However, resources that may be of assistance to you can be found under "Quick Links" More about legal advice

8. Who accepts Service of Process on the City?

Service of process is the procedure employed to give legal notice to a person or entity (defendant etc.) of a court's exercise of its jurisdiction over that person or entity so as to enable that person or entity to respond to the proceeding before the court. Usually, notice is furnished by delivering a set of court documents to the person to be served. These documents must be served on:

Saint Paul City Clerk
310 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevard,
Saint Paul, MN 55102

9. Does the City Attorney's Office represent private citizens?

No. The City Attorney’s Office does not represent individuals in private legal matters.

Attorneys in the Office represent the City’s elected officials and staff, City departments, and the City’s independent boards and commissions.

10. How do I complain about a consumer good that I purchased?

Contact the Minnesota State Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Division Hotline at (651)296-3353.

11. How do I sue the City?

The City Attorney’s Office cannot advise or represent you because it is the lawyer for the City (which you would be suing). Contact private legal counsel with your questions.

12. How do I file a claim against the City?

Fill out a claims form and return it to the City Clerk's Office. Include all proof necessary to show negligence on the part of the city. The matter will be examined by the city's claims manager, who will contact you in generally two-six weeks. The City may deny any claim where the claimant cannot prove negligence.
Claims forms are located on line or by calling (651) 266-8688. Claim Form

13. How do I file a complaint against a Saint Paul Police Officer?

Contact the Saint Paul Police Internal Affairs Unit at (651) 266-5760.

14. My car has been towed. Whom do I call?

Call the Saint Paul Police Department Impound Lot, 830 Barge Channel Road, St. Paul, at (651) 292-6005. In winter only, there is also the Snow Impound Lot, 1129 Cathlin St., 3/4 mile west of Snelling, south of Como Avenue, at 603-6895.

15. I have a question about my liquor/taxi/tobacco license. Whom should I call?

Call the Department of Safety and Inspections at (651) 266-9090.

16. I have a complaint about a City licensed business. Whom should I call?

You can either call the Department of Safety and Inspections at (651) 266-9090 or you can call the Citizen Services Office at (651) 266-8989.

17. My neighbor has a tree in his yard with the branches growing over my yard. Can I cut the branches?

This question involves a property dispute between neighbors. It is not regulated by city ordinance, and the City Attorney cannot advise or represent you. You need to contact private legal counsel with your concerns.

18. My neighbor parks cars on his lawn. To whom can I report this?

The complaints office can handle your complaint and direct it to the appropriate department. They can be reached at (651)266-8989.
Email Complaint

19. My neighbor’s property is an eyesore because of rubbish, tall weeds or is in need of repair. Whom do I call to report this?

The complaints office can handle your complaint and direct it to the appropriate department. They can be reached at (651)266-8989. Email Complaint

20. How can I obtain copies of the City Ordinances?

City ordinances are located within the City's legislative and administrative code. City Ordinances

21. What information can I get from a police report?

Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13, governs information in police reports, specifically, the section on law enforcement data, which is Minn. Stat. § 13.82.

22. Who accepts Service of Process on the City?

Service of process is the procedure employed to give legal notice to a person or entity (defendant etc.) of a court's exercise of its jurisdiction over that person or entity so as to enable that person or entity to respond to the proceeding before the court. Usually, notice is furnished by delivering a set of court documents to the person to be served.

These documents must be served on:

Saint Paul City Clerk
310 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevard,
Saint Paul, MN 55102