Legal Department

Since 1992, PDRMA’s legal department has directed and administered all facets of the legal defense function of the agency. In-house counsel personally defend tort actions involving significant potential liability, particular complexity and/or involving important common law or statutory issues. The majority of tort actions directed against our members are personally defended by in-house counsel.

Unlike traditional coverage providers, which generally defer to outside legal counsel, PDRMA’s legal staff works cooperatively and collaboratively with outside counsel to maximize positive results while cultivating important outside relationships and contacts. This relationship between PDRMA’s counsel and outside counsel contributes to the ability of outside counsel to successfully litigate PDRMA actions, as well as non-PDRMA cases that may have a direct impact upon PDRMA members.

PDRMA looks at each lawsuit as a potential avenue to both educate the judiciary and expand the applicability and availability of common law and statutory defenses. In this respect, PDRMA’s legal success remains unparalleled. Since the inception of PDRMA’s legal department in 1992, PDRMA has been instrumental in the development and expansion of Illinois common law and statutory defenses.

Whether testifying before legislative committees, drafting and reviewing proposed legislation, authoring amicus curiae briefs in appeals concerning matters of broad public concern, or directly conducting appeals in cases involving member agencies, PDRMA’s legal staff is committed to being leaders in the municipal legal community and successfully representing the interests of local public entities.

PDRMA’s proactive approach to employment practices liability is also unparalleled. PDRMA recognizes that proactive intervention is the key to minimizing liability and maximizing a successful outcome. PDRMA also recognizes that member employment decisions impact the morale, productivity and reputation of the agencies. PDRMA’s in-house counsel is committed to assisting members in balancing both the rights of the employee and employer while maintaining the reputation and integrity of the member.

PDRMA’s counsel serves as a legal liaison to PDRMA’s Human Resource Employment Liability (HELP) Program and provides prompt legal consultation and advice through PDRMA’s HELPLine. PDRMA’s counsel understands the issues, challenges, and nuances PDRMA members face and are there to provide confidential legal advice and practical solutions to employment-related issues. If PDRMA’s counsel is unavailable and immediate legal consultation is critical or for those areas outside PDRMA’s expertise, PDRMA has developed a network of expert outside counsel to serve our members.

Staff

Edward F. Dutton, Director of Claims and Legal Services
Steven J. Kleinman, General Counsel
Arlene DePaepe, Legal Secretary