City of Mobile Legal Department

The Legal Department serves as in-house counsel for the City of Mobile under the direction of the Mayor. The department provides legal guidance to the Mayor and executive departments, helping to ensure that City operations comply with federal, state, and local laws. Core responsibilities include advising on municipal legal matters, reviewing and drafting contracts and policies, managing civil litigation, processing third-party claims, and prosecuting violations of municipal offenses.

The Legal Department operates under the leadership of City Attorney Ricardo Woods and Deputy City Attorney Suntrease Williams-Maynard, who serves as Department Head overseeing the Civil, Claims, and Criminal Divisions. Together, they guide the department’s legal strategy, ensure alignment with City goals, and provide oversight of all legal functions. The department plays a critical role in minimizing legal risk, promoting good governance, and supporting the City’s operational and policy objectives through sound legal counsel.

Please note: The Legal Department provides legal advice only to the City and its departments. We cannot provide legal counsel to members of the public or private entities.

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Our Team

Ricardo Woods, City Attorney
Suntrease Williams-Maynard, Deputy City Attorney

Civil Division

Cherlina Monteiro, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Geoff Alexander, Assistant City Attorney
Victoria Shoots, Assistant City Attorney
Bryan Horsley, Assistant City Attorney

The Civil Division provides legal support to all City departments. This includes reviewing and drafting contracts, ordinances, administrative policies, and legal documents; advising on employment matters, land use, procurement, and compliance; and representing the City in civil litigation and administrative proceedings. The division ensures that departmental activities are carried out within legal boundaries while supporting the operational goals of the Mayor's Administration. 

Criminal Division

Grant Gibson, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Nicole McDonough, Assistant City Attorney
Doug Wilson, Assistant City Attorney
Cleve Patterson, Assistant City Attorney
Chelsea Kendrick, Assistant City Attorney

The Criminal Division prosecutes violations of City ordinances and municipal misdemeanors in the City of Mobile Municipal Court. These cases include traffic violations, nuisance violations, and other misdemeanor offenses. The division works in coordination with law enforcement and City departments to uphold the City’s laws and promote public safety at the municipal level. All divisions operate under the leadership of the Deputy City Attorney and in coordination with the City Attorney to ensure consistency in legal standards and departmental priorities.

Claims Division

Melissa Kennedy, Claims Manager

The Claims Division manages all third-party claims filed against the City, including those involving property damage, personal injury, and other alleged losses. The division investigates and evaluates claims for resolution or defense and works closely with departments and outside counsel where necessary. It is also responsible for pursuing subrogation claims on behalf of the City to recover costs associated with damages caused by third parties.

Mobile Police Department/Mobile Fire Department

James Harred, Assistant City Attorney

City Legal Main Contact: 251-208-7416