Welcome to the City Attorney’s Office. Our primary responsibility is to serve as the legal authority for the City of Southfield as a municipal entity. In this role, we provide legal assistance to the various City departments and the City Council in matters pertaining to local, state, and federal laws.
The City Attorney, appointed by the Mayor, is the legal Counsel for the City, responsible for instituting or defending all litigation in which the City is a party, as directed by the City Council. The City Attorney attends all Council meetings and serves as advisor to other departments when requested.
The City Attorney has an appointed staff of assistant city attorneys who are employed in various supporting functions, such as: prosecuting criminal charges and civil traffic infractions brought under City Ordinances; conducting legal research; responding to citizen inquiries and complaints; drafting ordinances; reviewing contracts; and attending various Boards and Commissions meetings.
The staff of the City Attorney’s Office is comprised as follows:
- John E. Beras, City Attorney
- Sue Ward-Witkowski, Assistant City Attorney IV
- Frank Kohl, Assistant City Attorney IV
- Elizabeth Rae-O’Donnell, Assistant City Attorney III
- Dawn King, Assistant City Attorney I
- Legal Support Team of Three (3) Employees
Residents and businesses often call our office asking for legal advice; seeking information regarding personal, legal issues; and, requesting lawyer referrals. We recommend that any resident with such needs contact his/her own attorney or legal advisor. Also, if a resident can or cannot afford legal counsel or chooses not to personally hire one, you can contact the City of Southfield’s Human Services Department for various, free legal aid programs and options.