About the City Attorney's Office

The Office of the Seattle City Attorney is also known as the Law Department under Article XIII of the City Charter. With more than 90 attorneys, the City's Law Department is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third largest public law office in the state.

The Law Department is divided into three major Divisions:

The Civil Division represents the City in lawsuits and advises City officials as they develop programs, projects, policies, and legislation. The sections within the Civil Division include torts (claims), land use, environment, labor and employment, contracts, and utilities.

The Criminal Division represents the City in prosecuting traffic infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors in Seattle Municipal Court. The types of cases prosecuted by the Criminal Division include driving under the influence, domestic violence, theft, trespass, harassment and assault.

The Administration Division staff provide budgeting, accounting, human resource, clerical and information technology services for the City Attorney's Office.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Law Department.