The Office of the City Attorney has two primary duties: prosecution of those who violate City criminal laws, and providing legal advice and representation to City officials and departments.
The Civil Division is on the 5th Floor of the City Hall building at 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201. The Prosecutors office is located at 909 W. Mallon, Spokane, WA 99201.
Generally, no. Attorneys in the Legal Department serve as the attorneys for City government and City officials, rather than for individual citizens. Individuals normally must retain their own attorneys for legal advice and representation.
Crimes should be reported to the local police. In Spokane, crimes should generally be reported to the Spokane Police Department through the “911” phone system.
Crime Check 509.456.2233
The Legal Department generally helps City departments, the Mayor, and the City Council with all types of important legal documents, including proposed ordinances to change City law. In most cases, these departments and elected officials shape their own policies and proposals for new laws, with the Legal Department providing technical assistance and review.
A copy of the Spokane Municipal Code can be found online at the link provided. Spokane Municipal Code
Claims for damages against the City must be filed with the City Clerk within the applicable statute of limitations. A claim form can be obtained by calling 509.625.6350.
These organizations provide free or reduced cost legal services in Spokane: Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program: 509.324.0118; Gonzaga School of Law -University Legal Assistance 509.135.791; Center for Justice 509.835.5211
These organizations provide free or reduced cost legal services in Spokane for Landlord/ Tenant Issues: Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program: 509.324.0118; Gonzaga School of Law -University Legal Assistance 509.313.5791; Center for Justice 509.835.5211
In general, if you think a City department is doing something it should not — or not doing something it should — you should contact the head of that department, or the Mayor's Office. Because other City departments are not supervised by the Law Department, “the Law Department” can typically address complaints only about our own employees.
