Department of Law
WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Department of Law is created in Article 8, Chapter 6, of the Metropolitan Charter. The responsibilities of the department have been organized into three areas: legal services, claims, and insurance. The powers and duties of the department as set out in the Charter or by ordinance are:
- Supervise, direct and control all the law work of the Metropolitan Government;
- Furnish legal advice to the Mayor, the Council, all fficers, departments, boards and commissions concerning matters related to their official powers and duties;
- Represent Metro in all litigation;
- Collect all debts, taxes, and accounts due the government;
- Prepare or approve all written instruments including contracts, bonds, deeds, and leases;
- Prepare or assist with the preparation of all ordinances;
- Investigate and handle all claims, and
- Handle all insurance and risk management.
Metropolitan Government is self-insured for most potential losses. Therefore, the Department's work may include the review and settlement of a small claim and extend to complicated litigation carried through an entire appellate procedure. The great majority of the Department's work, both litigation and client services, is handled in-house. On occasion, outside attorneys with a particular expertise are engaged to assist the Department's attorneys. During 2010 the Department received over 195 new litigation matters, more than 248 new Administrative Hearings, over 2148 new contracts for review or preparation, and more than 1190 new requests for client advice. The Claims Division received over 1783 new claims for review. At present, there are 31 attorneys, an insurance manager, a claims manager and 2 claims representatives who are responsible for the performance of these duties. They are assisted by paralegals and other administrative staff. Our offices are open from 8 AM until 5 PM and we may be reached by e-mail or in person at the Metro Historic Courthouse, Suite 108, Nashville, TN 37219.
Current and Previous Directors Of Law
| Director | Dates |
|---|---|
| Saul A. Solomon | February 2012 – current |
| Wm. Michael Safley | Aug. 2011 – January 2012 (acting) |
| Sue B. Cain | 2007 - 2011 |
| Sue B. Cain | Jan. - Nov. 2007 (acting) |
| Karl F. Dean | 1999-2007 |
| James L. Murphy III | 1993-1999 |
| Patricia J. Cottrell | 1991-1993 |
| Susan Short Jones | 1987-1991 |
| Michael E. Moore | 1985-1987 |
| William F. Howard | 1985 (Acting) |
| Don Jones | 1982-1985 |
| Peter Curry | 1978-1982 |
| Peter Curry | July-Dec. 1977 (Acting) |
| Ed McCabe | Jan.- June, 1977 (Acting) |
| Milton H. Sitton | 1971-1977 |
| Charles E. Griffith | 1969-1971 |
| Neill S. Brown | 1963-1969 |