The Civil Division of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office provides legal advice and representation to Hennepin County government.

The Civil Division represents the Board of Commissioners, County Administration and county departments on legal issues including employment, litigation defense, real estate taxation, and contracts. Its clients include Hennepin County Medical Center ("HCMC"); the waste-to-energy facility ("HERC"), the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority ("HCRRA") and the Metropolitan Health Plan ("MHP").

A large part of the Civil Division practice concerns the financial and business affairs of the county. Although much of our legal defense work is reactive, the Civil Division is proactive on debt collection and makes appearances in bankruptcy and conciliation courts on both state and/or federal levels. This Division provides advice and representation on real estate taxation issues where property owners--either commercial or residential--contest county-assessed values and/or classifications. This Division drafts and negotiates contracts with vendors for goods and services. And with county employees located in more than 100 buildings, the Civil Division regularly works with property services on such issues as negotiating purchase agreements and leases. To protect the county's legal interests, the Division provides regular training for county staff on liability reduction, contracts and procurement, and data practices issues.