This is an informational presentation and no action is required.

Council has inquired about the civil litigation process and the role of the City Attorney's office, MMIA, and outside counsel. The Legal Department's Civil Division will present to the Council how litigation progresses and will explain the City Attorney's role and obligations. We will also discuss MMIA's role in the process and how and why outside counsel is retained.

The City may become involved in civil litigation through claims, lawsuits, contractual disputes, employment matters, land use matters, tort claims, or other disputes involving City operations. These matters often require coordination between the City Attorney’s Office, affected departments, MMIA, and outside counsel.

The purpose of this work session is to provide Council with a general overview of the civil litigation process and the roles of the parties involved. The presentation will address how matters typically progress, when MMIA becomes involved, why outside counsel may be retained, how legal strategy is coordinated, and what confidentiality and communication considerations apply during pending litigation.

This presentation is informational only. It will not ask Council to take action on any specific pending claim or lawsuit.

There are no direct fiscal effects associated with receiving this informational presentation. Civil litigation may result in future costs depending on the nature of individual claims or lawsuits, including defense costs, settlement costs, judgments, insurance/risk coverage obligations, or outside counsel expenses. Any specific matter requiring Council action or budget authority will be brought forward separately as appropriate.

Because this is an informational work session item, no formal alternatives are required. Council may receive the presentation, ask questions, and provide direction regarding future information needs or follow-up topics.