Law Department
Responsibilities
The Law Department consists of Civil and Criminal Divisions managed by an elected Law Director. The Civil Division handles civil work such as claims and contracts. The Criminal Division handles criminal prosecutions in the Niles Municipal Court. The Law Director serves a four-year term.
Duties of the Prosecuting Attorney and Law Director include advising city officials on legal issues, and writing most resolutions and ordinances city council considers.
The Law Department also is involved in City-related functions such as civil litigation, union/management labor negotiations and arbitration procedures, legislative functions, risk management, and dispute resolution processes.
The Law Director coordinates the codification of the city ordinances.
Services
If you suffer personal injury or property damages due to an incident or situation in which you believe the City bears responsibility, you may file a claim with the Law Department:
Law Department City Building 34 West State Street Niles, OH 44446 Office Phone: 330-544-9000 X 5415 Email: pzuzolo@thecityofniles.com Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
The claim must include the following items:
- a narrative statement, including the time, date, and location of the incident
- a copy of the declaration page of your insurance policy
- a copy of the estimate/receipt for repair and/or medical expenses
- photographs (optional, but recommended) of the incident scene and damages
The City is only liable for damages in limited circumstances, such as when the City had notice of a dangerous condition and failed to make repairs within a reasonable time. When claims are paid by the City, only the portion not compensated by your insurance is paid to you.
Any person may request to inspect or obtain copies of public records from a public office that keeps those records. The City of Niles makes sure the public has access to those records pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Law 
. Please submit the City of Niles Public Records Request Form (see below) detailing your request to the Law Department for processing:
Law Department City Building 34 West State Street Niles, OH 44446 Office Phone: 330-544-9000 X 5415 Email: pzuzolo@thecityofniles.com Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
The Law Department represents only the departments of the City of Niles. Individuals and organizations that require legal assistance are referred to the following:
The Ohio Open Records Law, first enacted in 1963, is contained in Section 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code. The law describes what records are available, what agencies are covered, what fees can be charged, who can ask for records, etc. Records include all records kept by any public office as well as records of both non-profit and for-profit private schools.
Anyone may request public records and no statement of purpose is required. In fact records requests need not even be submitted in writing and can be made anonymously. There are no restrictions to the use of records and the Ohio Open Records Law does not specify a time limit on open records request.
Open Records Law Ohio Rev. Code sec. 149.43 et seq.
Exempt: Personal bank records; medical records; adoption records; probation and parole records; and certain law enforcement investigative records.
Forms & Documents
Contact
City Building
34 West State Street
Niles, Ohio 44446
Hours
Monday – Friday
8 AM – 4 PM