John R. Haas

Portsmouth City Solicitor – John R. Haas
Assistant Solicitor – David B. Beck
Assistant Solicitor – Christopher Gerard
Legal Secretary – Kathy M. Hodkinson
Investigator – Bryan E. Flannery

Responsibilities

The Solicitor’s Office is available to all City Department heads on a regular basis and provides them with legal advice in the day to day operation of their respective departments.

This office represents the City and City officials before the Courts of the State of Ohio, both defending actions brought against the City and/or its officials, as well as initiating actions on behalf of the City when appropriate.

Ordinances, resolutions, contracts, easements, and written opinions for the City of Portsmouth are prepared by the City Solicitor’s office. Also, as required by the City Charter, the Solicitor is a member of the City Planning Commission and the City Nuisance Appeals Board.

The Solicitor’s Office maintains the responsibility of prosecuting all cases in Portsmouth Municipal Court. In addition, this office acts as legal advisor to the Portsmouth City School Board, handles all Portsmouth Civil Service matters and attends meetings on an as needed basis.