Hennepin County Attorney-Civil Division: Legal Counsel for Local Government

County Attorney-Civil Division Introduce

When you hear the term "attorney," you might immediately think of a lawyer representing an individual in a criminal case or a personal injury lawsuit. However, the legal world is much broader, and an entire division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is dedicated to serving a different client: the Hennepin County government itself. The County Attorney-Civil Division is a vital part of the local government infrastructure in Minneapolis, acting as the in-house legal counsel for the largest local government in Minnesota. Its role is not to provide legal advice to private citizens, but rather to ensure the county's operations, policies, and actions are in full compliance with the law. This overview will help residents of Minnesota understand the important function of this public office, its location, and the services it provides to protect taxpayer interests and support the effective functioning of county government.

The work of the Civil Division is comprehensive and touches on nearly every aspect of county operations. From advising the elected Hennepin County Commissioners to defending the county against lawsuits, its attorneys are at the forefront of protecting public interests. Their expertise is crucial in managing a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, employment matters, and real estate, all of which are central to the day-to-day work of the county. In essence, the Civil Division is the legal arm of Hennepin County, ensuring that every decision, policy, and transaction adheres to Minnesota's complex legal framework. For Minnesotans, knowing that a dedicated team of legal professionals is working to safeguard public resources and uphold legal standards within the government itself is a source of confidence in their local governance.

The office of the County Attorney-Civil Division is located within the Hennepin County Government Center, a prominent and easily recognizable building in downtown Minneapolis. The specific address is 300 South 6th St # A2000, Minneapolis, MN 55487, USA. Its central location makes it highly accessible via a variety of transportation methods, including the light rail system, numerous bus lines, and convenient access to major highways. This prime spot is a hub of government activity, making it a logical and accessible location for county employees and others conducting official business.

The Hennepin County Government Center is designed with a strong commitment to accessibility, which benefits all visitors. The building features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can enter and exit the premises comfortably and without hindrance. Additionally, the building complex provides a wheelchair accessible parking lot, which is a major convenience for those who drive. Inside, wheelchair accessible restrooms are available, further demonstrating a comprehensive approach to accommodating all members of the public. This dedication to accessibility ensures that the Government Center, and by extension the County Attorney-Civil Division, is a welcoming and functional space for everyone who needs to visit.

The County Attorney-Civil Division's services are exclusively dedicated to providing legal counsel and representation to the Hennepin County government, its departments, and officials. These services cover a vast range of legal areas, all with the goal of protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring the county's operations are lawful and efficient. The key services include:

Legal Counsel to County Government: The attorneys provide legal advice to the Board of Commissioners, County Administration, the Sheriff's Office, and other departments on a daily basis. This counsel covers everything from drafting and negotiating contracts with outside vendors to advising on employment, labor, and workers' compensation matters for the county's large workforce.
Litigation Defense: The division works to protect the county's legal interests by defending it against lawsuits. This includes responding to civil claims and tort lawsuits filed against the county and its employees in both state and federal courts. Their work helps to preserve taxpayer funds by proactively defending against litigation.
Real Property Matters: Attorneys in the Civil Division handle a variety of property-related issues. This includes representing the county in property tax appeals where property owners contest their assessed values, as well as handling condemnation matters and other real property issues. They also assist with the legal aspects of the county's property purchases and leases.
Health Services Representation: The division provides legal representation to various health-related departments within the county, including Hennepin Healthcare (formerly Hennepin County Medical Center), Hennepin Health, and others. This includes advising on health law matters and defending medical providers in medical malpractice cases.

While the Hennepin County Attorney-Civil Division serves a public function rather than a private clientele, it has several key features that highlight its professionalism and value to the community. These attributes are what make it a crucial part of local governance.

Public Service Focus: Unlike a private law firm that serves paying clients, the Civil Division's mission is to serve the public interest by providing legal counsel to the county government. This public-service focus means their work is directly tied to the effective and lawful administration of government services that benefit all Hennepin County residents.
Comprehensive Accessibility: The office is located in a building that offers complete accessibility. The presence of a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity and ensures that all members of the public can access the Government Center and its services. The availability of restrooms is a small but important detail that adds to visitor comfort.
Expertise in Local Government Law: The attorneys in this division are specialists in the unique area of local government law. They have in-depth knowledge of Minnesota's statutes, ordinances, and legal precedents as they apply to a county government. This expertise is a vital asset for ensuring that county actions are legally sound.
Proactive and Protective Role: The Civil Division’s work is often proactive, providing regular training for county staff on liability reduction and other legal issues. This forward-thinking approach helps to prevent legal problems and protect taxpayer interests before they become significant issues.

For those in Minnesota who need to contact the Hennepin County Attorney-Civil Division for official business, the office is located at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South 6th St # A2000, Minneapolis, MN 55487, USA. The main phone number for the division is (612) 348-5518. It is important to note that this office does not provide legal advice to private citizens. The phone number is for official and professional inquiries related to the division’s work on behalf of the county. The general information line for the entire Hennepin County Attorney's Office is also available for broader inquiries.

Choosing to support a well-run local government is choosing a path to a better community. While you cannot hire the County Attorney-Civil Division for personal legal matters, its existence and function are worth knowing about and valuing. What makes this office so important for Minnesotans is its dedicated role in safeguarding the public's interests. The attorneys in this division serve as the first line of defense against legal challenges that could otherwise cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Their work in areas like defending the county in lawsuits and ensuring proper procedures for real estate and contracts is a direct benefit to every resident of Hennepin County. The specialized expertise they possess in the nuances of local government law ensures that the county operates effectively and within the bounds of legal requirements.

Furthermore, the physical location within the Hennepin County Government Center, with its comprehensive accessibility features, demonstrates a commitment to public service and inclusivity. This level of dedication ensures that the county’s legal arm is a professional and functional part of the public infrastructure. In essence, while you won’t be scheduling an appointment to discuss your personal legal issue with them, the work of the Hennepin County Attorney-Civil Division is crucial to the smooth functioning of the government that serves you. Their behind-the-scenes legal expertise and proactive approach are essential for protecting the public good and ensuring the law is upheld at the local government level, making them a truly worthwhile and necessary public institution.