Legal

Department Duties

The Legal Department provides legal services to the governing body, the city manager, and all departments of the City of Topeka, Kansas. The city attorney is appointed by the city manager to manage the legal affairs of the city. Under the direction of the city attorney, the Legal Department:

  • Defends lawsuits against the city
  • Prepares ordinances, resolutions, deeds, and other legal documents for the city
  • Provides legal advice on a multitude of issues
  • Prosecutes municipal ordinance violations

Department Structure

The Legal Department operates through 3 general divisions:

General Government Division

  • Researches public policy issues
  • Advises the governing body, City employees, and boards and commissions
  • Drafts advisory opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents

Civil Litigation Division

  • Processes claims against the City
  • Represents the City in administrative proceedings, civil litigation, and appeals
  • Advises on risk management issues to prevent potential liability

Learn more about filing a claim.

Criminal Prosecution Division

  • Prosecutes alleged violations of City Ordinances in the Municipal Court and appeals in the district and appellate courts

The attorneys in the Legal Department represent the City of Topeka. No legal advice can be provided to individual citizens or businesses entities.​