No, the attorneys at the City Attorney's office cannot give advice in private matters. As a City Department, its role is to act as counsel and provide its services to City Council, the City Manager, and other City departments. They do not provide advice or representation to public citizens. If you have a question regarding a private legal matter, please contact a private attorney. Legal also cannot recommend an outside attorney. If you need help finding an attorney, please contact the Texas State Bar or the Smith County Bar Association. 

You can search our Code of Ordinances regarding specific topics here. If you have questions, City Departments that create and/or enforce that specific ordinance may be able to help answer your question—Legal staff would be able to direct you. For a legal interpretation of an ordinance, please contact a private attorney. 

Claims against the City must be submitted to Risk Management. Please contact Risk at 903.531.1104 to speak to the Risk Technician.

Contact the Municipal Court or the Prosecutor's office (903.595.7198) . If you leave a message for the Prosecutor, please include: Defendant's Name, Defendant's Date of Birth, Ticket or Cause Number, Attorney's Name and Telephone Number (if an attorney is retained), and a brief message regarding your concerns. 

There are different types of liens that can be placed on properties. First, identify which City Department issued the lien and contact them regarding payoff amounts. If you purchased your property from a delinquent tax sale, provide documents from the sale to the department to have the liens extinguished. Code Enforcement (903.531.1212) and Neighborhood Services (903.531.1303) are two of the main departments that issue liens and releases. If you have a paving lien, please contact Legal and provide a copy of the paving lien and the property description.

Please contact the Planning Department for TABC applications and processes as they are responsible for tracking and final approval of applications. 

Please submit a Public Information Request Form and be as detailed possible of what you are searching. Staff will research the archives and provide copies, if available. If you aren't sure what exactly it is you're looking for, contact the City Clerk's office and we will be happy to set up a time to help you find what you're looking for. 

The Legal Department is able to assist you in directing you to the Department Leader who can best address your complaint. 

The City Attorney's Office does take 1-2 Law School interns over the summer. We would be happy to receive your resume after you've completed your first year of law school!