Corporation Counsel reports progress on Batterson Park deals, expands in-house case management

Jonathan Harding, Corporation Counsel for the city, presented his office's recommended budget and described priorities including litigation management, policy review and training for boards and commissions.

Harding highlighted recent progress on a complex set of agreements related to Batterson Park and said the office is "in the final stages of that and should be hopefully wrapping up those agreements in the next week or so." He said the office has adopted a new case-management platform that has already improved workflow and that the office seeks to expand some collection and offensive litigation efforts where staff capacity allows.

On outside counsel, Harding said most of the work is done in-house but that the office uses outside firms selectively "when there's an expertise" or when capacity constraints exist; he added that many firms offer municipal rates and that he negotiates to secure competitive pricing.

Council members asked about outside-counsel rates and staffing. Harding acknowledged budgeted vacancies (assistant corporation counsel, associate attorney and paralegal) and said filling the assistant corporation counsel position is a near-term priority.

Why it matters: Corporation Counsel handles litigation and contract review for the city; progress on Batterson Park affects a major public asset and successful in-house case management can reduce legal expenses.

What's next: Harding will pursue prioritized hires and continue to brief council as contract negotiations and case-management customizations proceed.