OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR

The City Solicitor’s Office is responsible for handling all legal matters affecting the City. This entails providing legal counsel to the Mayor, the City Controller, the City Treasurer, and City Council. This office manages all legal action taken by the City and defends or supervises the defense of actions filed against the City, including all labor law matters.

It reviews and provides administrative legal support for all bond issuances, prepares and files all proofs of claim on behalf of the City in bankruptcy proceedings and represents the City in all such proceedings. It also plays a significant role in major projects undertaken by the City and handles real estate transfers and loan closings for the Department of Building and Housing Development and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

Law Bureau staff prosecutes codes violations, violations of City Ordinances, bad check cases and other criminal offenses in the name of the Commonwealth and participates in all tax assessment appeals filed by property owners. The Law Bureau drafts or reviews, for form and legality, all legislation considered by Council and all city contracts.

The City Solicitor provides legal opinions to department directors and bureau chiefs and their staffs to assure legal compliance in matters affecting their department and assists the Department of Administration’s efforts to recover delinquent taxes and utilities. The City Solicitor’s legal opinion on legal matters is final with City government.


Helpful Resources
The City Solicitor’s office is not able to represent or provide legal advice to private citizens. If you require legal representation, please contact one of the following:

• Central Pennsylvania Legal Services - 717-232-0581
  
• Dauphin County Lawyer Referral Service - 717-232-7536
  
• Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office - 717-255-2746
  
• Dauphin County Bar Association - 717-232-7536 or visit their website. . .
  

Office of City Solicitor
The City of Harrisburg
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center
10 North Second Street, Suite 402
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Phone: 717-255-3065
Fax: 717-255-3056