Welcome to the City Attorney's Office

Penya M. Moses-Fields, City Attorney pmfields@cityofno.com (504) 658-9800

The following information is provided in order to acquaint you with the office of the City Attorney.

The City Attorney is responsible for directing and supervising the legal affairs of the City of New Orleans. The City Charter defines the duties of the City Attorney as follows:

To provide legal advice to the Mayor, the Council, and other city offices, departments and boards;
To take charge of all legal matters in which the City has an interest or is a party;
To prepare proposed ordinances upon request of the Mayor or City Councilmembers; and
To review all City contracts, documents and instruments creating any legal obligation affecting the City.

The City Attorney’s Office has a dedicated team of public servants committed to providing aggressive and competent legal representation on behalf of the City of New Orleans for the benefit of all of our citizens.

City Attorney Updates

9/25/09 - Evelyn Pugh

Congratulations to Evelyn F. Pugh, Chief Deputy City Attorney, who has served the City Attorney’s Office for 20 plus years has been appointed by the City Council as their Interim Chief of Staff!!

Penya M. Moses-Fields, City Attorney

9/25/09 - Court/Case number: U.S.D.C. 05-910 (consolidated with 09-132, 09-063, and 09-3693

Court Ruling: On July 20, 2009, the United States District Court upheld the constitutionality of the City of New Orleans’ prohibition of the sale of prints in the Jackson Square area. The plaintiffs argued that the prohibition violated their rights of freedom of speech and expression under the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution. However, the court, referencing the public hearing held by the City Council in April of 2007, stated “judicial deference should be afforded to the legislative means employed by the City Council’s consideration and ultimate decision regarding the Ordinance. Consequently, the Court found that “the bright-line prohibition of the sale of prints in Jackson Square is narrowly tailored to achieve the legitimate interest of preserving the tout ensemble of Jackson, the important artistry within that colony and the Vieux Carré in general.”

9/25/09 - CDC #2009-1317; 2009-CA-0930

Court Ruling: This case was dismissed upon the mutual consent of the parties after reaching a settlement of all issues. The appeals filed by both parties have been dismissed, and the plaintiff has dismissed his case.

9/25/09 - Court/Case number: CITY OF NEW ORLEANS V. BUS STOP LOUNGE #11-09 (A)

Court Ruling: Alcohol Beverage Control Board suspends Bus Stop Lounge’s liquor permit.

9/25/09 - Court/Case Number: CITY OF NEW ORLEANS V. THE ALPINE RESTAURANT #13-09 (A)

Court Ruling: Alcohol Beverage Control Board fines The Alpine Restaurant for Illegal Barking.

8/3/09 - Court/Case number: Civil District Court # 09-2268

Court Ruling: Civil District Court on May 28, 2009 affirmed the decision in the matter entitled Rhythm City Entertainment v. City of New Orleans, et. al. 09-2268

7/16/09 - Court/Case number: CDC - Case # 2009-6675 (c/w 2009-6861)

Ruling:
The Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans ruled in favor of the City’s Petition for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary and Permanent Injunctionr resulting in the closure the Canal Street Hotel.

7/16/09 - Records Retention Workshop

The City Attorney’s Office will be hosting the second educational Records Retention Workshop on Thursday, August 27, 2009

6/5/09 - City Attorney Update: Case: Willie Lee v. Department of Police, 129 S.Ct. 1306 (Mem)

Ruling: The United States Supreme Court denied Certiorari of a writ application from the Louisiana Appellate Court, Fourth Circuit, en banc decision, which overturned and remanded the Civil Service decision to reinstate police officers who abandoned their posts during or after Hurricane Katrina.

6/5/09 - City Attorney Update: Case number: Civil Service Commission case 7404

Ruling: The Civil Service Commission upheld a disciplinary action by NOPD for an officer’s lack of professionalism.

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Major Divisions of the City Attorney Office

Click here for Staff Listings

Transactions Unit – Review City bids, request for proposals or qualifications and contracts relative to procurement law, and cooperative endeavor agreements, memorandums of understanding and leases for form and legality whether executed by the Mayor or Council President;

Risk Management Unit – Protect City’s interests by monitoring and regulating City’s insurance coverage on all city property; investigates and adjusts all insurance claims against the city including workers compensation; and oversees judicial claims and sundry claims to pay claims against the city;

In-House/Research and Opinions Unit – Manage in-house administrative matters; advise the City Council on all legal matters; prepare and/or review legislative instruments; research and prepare advice responses and legal opinions; prepare proposed zoning ordinances and advises City Planning Commission on land use matters; and monitor all city sponsored and proposed legislation in the state legislature;

Municipal Court Unit – Prosecute offenders of alleged violations of the Municipal Criminal Code including domestic violence prosecutions;

Traffic Court Unit – Prosecute offenders of the Traffic Code;

General Litigation Unit – Protect the City’s interest as it relates to lawsuits involving City property; actions resulting from the conduct of City employees; worker’s compensation claims; fiscal matters; supervision of Support Staff in Civil Litigation and Risk Management;

Federal & Police Litigation Unit – Protect the City’s interests by defending the City and New Orleans Police officers in 1983 Civil Rights Action and tort actions; and provide legal counsel on any police matter to members of the police department. Actions resulting from the conduct of City employees; fiscal matters; labor and employment related matters concerning classified employees before the Civil Service Commission, supervision of Support Staff in police litigation and appearance.

Finance Unit – Provide legal advice to the Department of Finance including representing the Collector of Revenue in ad valorem, sales and use tax matters;

Housing Unit – Provide legal advice to the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Development Administration including representing the City in housing related litigation; render housing legal advice; and oversees adjudicated blighted properties amelioration, demolition, quick-take, expropriations and administrative hearings.