The Civil Division provides legal representation and advice to Pima County government, and defends legal actions (lawsuits and claims) brought against the County, County elected officials, commissions, committees, governing boards, County departments, and County employees.

The Civil Division is one the larger law firms in Pima County, employing approximately 23 attorneys and 35 support staff. The employees of the Civil Division provide high quality legal services for the benefit of the citizens of Pima County.

The work of the Division results in significant savings to the County taxpayers. The Division defends lawsuits filed against the County, collects substantial amounts of delinquent taxes and taxes at risk in bankruptcies and eminent domain proceedings, monitors all County contracts for legal compliance, enforces County codes and ordinances and State and County environmental laws, and collects fines for code violations. In addition, the Division provides training on multiple legal issues to Pima County Departments and to a some community based organizations.

BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONS UNIT- assists the various County departments and special taxing districts (such as the Flood Control and Library Districts) with respect to transactions—including buying and selling interests in real property; operating the numerous County healthcare and community services programs; building roads and other public infrastructure; operating a wastewater treatment system; managing parks and recreational facilities and open space; obtaining bond and other types of financing; procuring all the County’s goods and services; managing information technology systems; and contracting with other jurisdictions for joint and cooperative projects. The unit provides general legal advice and represents the County in some court and administrative actions. Most County contracts are reviewed and signed “for form” by the attorneys in the Business & Transactions Unit, and the attorneys are often directly involved in complex contract negotiations and administration.

LAND USE & ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT - provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Supervisors, Planning & Zoning Commission, Development Services Department and the County   Administrator concerning land use law, defends land use litigation against Pima County and prosecutes violations of County zoning and building codes.  All land use ordinances of Pima County are drafted or reviewed by this Unit.  In addition, this Unit assists Pima County government in reaching and maintaining compliance with all federal state, and local environmental laws, and providing advice and representation in connection with compliance, enforcement litigation, and legislation. 

MENTAL HEALTH UNIT - legally commits to the hospital for medical treatment persons with mental disorders who have become a danger to themselves or others.   The Units’ efforts play a role in ensuring the safety of all Pima County residents.

SHERIFF'S LEGAL ADVISOR UNIT - provides the Sheriff’s Department with legal advice and representation on various matters including civil rights, property seizures, arrests, due process, and employment issues.

TAX & BANKRUPTCY UNIT- defends Pima County and other County taxing units in property tax appeals and protects and collects Pima County tax monies or other fees owed to the County that are at risk in  bankruptcies and eminent domain proceedings.  This activity encompasses not only the defense of property tax values, but also the preservation of and collection of levied taxes.  The Unit ensures that the tax dollars owed to Pima County are collected.  The Tax Unit also provides legal advice to the Pima County Assessor and the Pima County Treasurer in the interpretation of ever-changing tax statutes and represents these offices in State, Federal, and Bankruptcy Courts and before administrative boards.

TORT - EMPLOYMENT - EMINENT DOMAIN LITIGATION UNIT - defends Pima County government against    lawsuits and claims regarding personal injury, property damage, police misconduct, civil rights violations, and medical malpractice. Eminent domain and condemnation actions are also litigated by this unit.  In addition, this Unit represents and advises all Pima County Departments and elected officials on labor and employment issues and handles employment litigation in administrative hearings and state and federal courts. 

ADMINISTRATION UNIT- provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator, and the Pima County Attorney.