The Office of the City Solicitor (aka Law Department) performs all legal services in which the City of Holyoke is interested and attends to all proceedings at law or in equity to which the City is a party.

The Solicitor also provides their legal opinion upon any of the municipal affairs of the City at the request of the Mayor, the City Council, or the head of a City department.

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 I can’t afford an attorney. Can the Department represent me?

The Law Department does not represent private citizens. The Law Department only represents the City, and all officers, department’s boards and commissions within the City, concerning any matter arising in connection with the exercise of their official powers. If you need an attorney, contact the Hampden County Bar Association at http://www.hcbar.org  or call 413-732-4648, which can also help identify legal resources for persons of limited financial means.

How do I initiate a claim for property damage or personal injury against the City?

To initiate a claim for property damage or personal injury against the City, you must complete a “Claim against the City of Holyoke” form and submit it to the Office of the City Clerk.  This form is available online and in person at the Office of the City Clerk. http://www.holyoke.org/images/stories/dept_public_works/Claim_form_with_City_Seal.pdf

The City says I owe back taxes or other charges. With whom should I speak?

David Guzman Jr., Collector of Taxes or Debbie Haslam, Deputy Collector at 536 Dwight St. Room 6, Holyoke, MA 01040. Phone: (413) 322-5530 and Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.
If your property is now in Tax Title Taking you will need to contact the City Treasurer’s office at (413) 322-5560.

I’d like to request a pay payoff figure for a lien/judgment. Where should I call?

David Guzman Jr., Collector of Taxes or Debbie Haslam, Deputy Collector at 536 Dwight St. Room 6, Holyoke, MA 01040. Phone: (413) 322-5530 and Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

Where do I call if I have a problem with my landlord? Where do I call if I am having a problem with a tenant?

The following is the contact information for the Western Division Housing Court.

Western Housing Court Division of Massachusetts
37 Elm Street, P.O. Box 559
Springfield, MA 01102-0559
Clerk’s Office  (413) 748-7838
Housing Specialist Department (413) 748-7838

Whom should I contact to assist me with Lead Paint Complaint concerns?

Board of Health-Brian Fitzgerald-Director,    
20 Koreans Veterans Plaza, 
Room 306, Holyoke, MA 01040. 
Phone: (413) 322-5595, 
Fax: (413) 322-5596.
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

You can also contact: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. http://www.mass.gov/dph/clppp

Can the City Solicitor’s Office represent me in Lead Paint Court?

No, the City Solicitor’s Office does not represent individual citizens in court proceedings

I am the owner of the property, do I have to come to court?

Yes, if you fail to do so, fines may be levied on you and your property. If you cannot attend court of that day, please contact Office of the City Solicitor at (413) 322-5580, and the Western Housing Court Division at Clerk’s Office (413) 748-7838, or Housing Specialist Department (413) 748-7838.

If I am unable to attend court due to illness or infirmity, what should I do?

Please contact the Office of the City Solicitor at (413) 322-5580 as well as the Western Housing Court Division at Clerk’s Office (413) 748-7838, or Housing Specialist Department (413) 748-7838.

Should I attend court if I am the tenant, not the owner of the property?

As a tenant you are not obligated to attend; however, you may choose to do so to protect your rights.

If the property owner is treating the tenant inappropriately during this lead abatement process, what option is provided to the tenant following the filing of the complaint?

One of the options the tenant has is to attend the court hearing and inform the court of the situation. You can also contact: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. http://www.mass.gov/dph/clppp.

I have recently sold the property. Should I attend court?

Yes, you should appear in court and provide the documents that will indicate the sale of the property as well as the identity and address of the new owner. You may contact the Office of the City Solicitor at (413) 322-5580.

What do I do if I am unable to comply with the Board of Health’s request to abate the lead from the property due to tenant non-compliance?

Please attend the court hearing and provide information regarding your efforts to obtain the tenant’s compliance with the abatement process.
 

My neighbor’s property is causing a public nuisance. Can the Law Department help me sue my neighbor?

The Law Department represents City departments and employees in their official duties, it cannot represent private parties. However, complaints about conditions at private properties can be reported to: 

 
Board of Health-Brian Fitzgerald-Director,
20 Koreans Veterans Plaza, 
Room 306, 
Holyoke, MA 01040. 
Phone: (413) 322-5595, 
Fax: (413) 322-5596.
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

I’m involved with a case against the City. How can I find out which attorney is representing the City in my case?

Contact the Law department at (413) 322-5580 to obtain the name of the lawyer assigned to your case.

The City Attorney’s Office is responsible for providing legal opinions and special reports to the City Council and the Mayor on legal and policy questions.

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