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Practice Sections

The Office of the CIty Attorney operates as a full-service municipal law firm across four practice sections, each staffed by experienced Assistant City Attorneys and led by an appointed Deputy City Attorney. The office handles thousands of active legal matters at any given time spanning civil litigation, ordinance enforcement, labor relations, real estate, and more. The four practice sections represent the full scope of the City's legal work. Select a division to learn more about its practice areas, key functions, and leadership.

 

SECTION 01 SECTION LEAD

Real Estate, Contracts & Education

 Mary Schanning
Deputy City Attorney

Practice Areas & Departments

  • Department of City Development (DCD)
  • Redevelopment Authority (RACM)
  • General Contracting & Procurement
  • Port Milwaukee
  • Library
  • Zoning
  • Board of Election Commissioners
  • Department of Public Works (DPW)
  • Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO)
  • Fire & Police Commission (FPC)
  • Inter-Governmental Relations (IRD)
  • Milwaukee Public Schools and School Board (MPS).

The Real Estate, Contracts & Education practice section handles legal matters related to City property, various contracts, zoning, and economic development projects where the City has legal responsibilities or has provided funding.  It also provides general legal counsel to Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Attorneys in this section help ensure that transactions involving the City and MPS are lawful, enforceable, and protective of public resources.

This work supports responsible stewardship of City and MPS assets and the successful delivery of public services.

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SECTION 02 SECTION LEAD

Employment, Administrative & Health

 Robin Pederson
Deputy City Attorney

Practice Areas & Departments

  • Department of Employee Relations
  • Employes’ Retirement System (ERS)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Employment Discrimination
  • Labor Arbitration
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Department of Administration
  • Public Utilities
  • Water Works
  • Board of Review
  • Licensing
  • Health Department

The Employment, Administrative & Health practice section provides legal support to City departments and officials on numerous matters including those involving City employment, administrative law, and public health responsibilities. Attorneys in this section help ensure that the City operates as a lawful employer, follows fair and consistent administrative processes, and that comply with applicable state and federal laws.

This work supports effective City operations while promoting fairness, accountability, and public health and safety.

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SECTION 03 SECTION LEAD

Litigation

 Naomi Sanders
Deputy City Attorney

Practice Areas & Departments

  • Civil Rights, Personal Injury, and Property Damage Litigation
  • Appeals
  • Claims Supervision
  • Assessor
  • City Treasurer
  • Tax Assessment Litigation
  • Bankruptcy

The Litigation section represents the City of Milwaukee in legal actions filed in state and federal courts. This includes defending the City and its departments in civil lawsuits, managing claims brought against the City, and handling appeals when necessary.

Attorneys in this section work to protect the City’s legal interests while ensuring that litigation is handled professionally, ethically, and in accordance with the law. Because many cases are active or pending, public information about litigation may be limited.

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SECTION 04 SECTION LEAD

Neighborhood Revitalization, Ordinance Enforcement & Housing

 Julie Wilson
Deputy City Attorney

Practice Areas & Departments

  • Ordinance Enforcement Division (OED)
  • Department of Neighborhood Service (DNS)
  • Police Department (MPD)
  • Housing Authority (HACM)
  • Neighborhood Revitalization (Building & Zoning Code Enforcement, Nuisance Abatement, Community Prosecution)
  • Public Records
  • Open Meetings
  • Ethics
  • Public Debt Commission

This practice section focuses on enforcing City ordinances and supporting neighborhood stability, housing quality, and public safety. Attorneys work with City departments to address issues such as unsafe properties, nuisance conditions, and repeated ordinance violations. The emphasis is on achieving compliance with City codes and improving conditions in Milwaukee neighborhoods.

This work plays an important role in protecting residents, preserving housing stock, and supporting healthy, livable communities throughout the City.

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Important note for members of the public

If you have general questions or are in need of legal services, there are resources that can assist you. See our External Resources Guide for organizations that serve Milwaukee residents.