Patricia A. Hageman, City Counselor

The law department for the City of St. Louis, known as the Office of the City Counselor, provides legal assistance and representation to the City, its related agencies and departments, and its elected and appointed officers. The law department is comprised of 38 attorneys plus support staff. The main office is located in Room 314 of City Hall, with attorney staff also located at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, the Municipal Courts, the St. Louis Development Corporation, Workers' Compensation Unit, and the Problem Properties Unit.

The Deputy in Charge of Corporate and Fiscal Affairs oversees, directs and performs work for the City in contractual and fiscal matters. He performs, directs and oversees work of the Administrative, Corporate and Legislative Unit and Problem Properties Unit.

The Deputy in Charge of Litigation oversees, directs and performs work for the City in the area of civil litigation in state circuit and associate circuit court, federal district court, state and federal appellate courts and the workers' compensation division. He performs, directs and oversees work of the Civil Litigation Unit, and Workers' Compensation Unit.

Provides legal counsel to the City, its related departments and agencies, in corporate and fiscal matters such as contracts, real estate, tax and public finance. Appears before administrative bodies such as the State Tax Commission and the City's Board of Adjustment. Drafts and reviews legislation; handles requests for public disclosure of City records; handles zoning and land use matters; handles information technology and communications matters. Assists in litigation matters arising from the foregoing areas.

Provides legal counsel and representation to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Assists in litigation of airport matters.

Handles diverse civil litigation in state circuit and associate circuit courts, federal district court, and state and federal appellate courts. This unit includes an investigations staff, which receives and handles personal injury and property damage claims asserted against the City.

Provides legal assistance, including contract review, to the City and its related development agencies, including but not limited to the Port Authority, St. Louis Development Corporation and Community Development Administration. Assists in litigation involving the development agencies.

Provides counsel to the City in personnel matters. Assists in litigation arising from the foregoing areas.

Handles prosecutions of ordinance violations, including traffic and parking offenses. Prosecutes all other violations of the City Code except those handled by the Problem Properties Unit. Handles collections for the City.

Addresses behavioral and structural problem properties located throughout the City of St. Louis. Works closely with City's Department of Public Safety, particularly its Building Division and Neighborhood Stabilization Office. Prosecutes violations of the City's environmental, health and building codes; pursues comprehensive legal remedies against problem landowners, landlords and tenants. Assists in environmental litigation matters.

Represents the City and the Police Board in workers' compensation claims brought against them by employees.

Handles and investigates all personal injury and property damage claims made against the City of St. Louis; obtains property damage and injury documentation for files; determines liability and claim value made in conjunction with possible settlement or denial; prepares releases and payments upon settlement; provides periodic claim reports and statistics.

Provides administrative, secretarial and clerical functions for the City Counselor's Office, and facilitates the smooth functioning and daily activities of the Office.

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