The City of Carmel Department of Law was formed to provide in-house legal services for the City's Departments and Officials, the City Council, the City's various Boards, Agencies and Commissions, and the City's municipal utilities. Having in-house counsel saves taxpayers about $100 per hour or more in legal fees for matters that would previously have gone to higher-priced outside counsel.

The Law Department also:

• Reviews all City contracts. Represents the City in legal proceedings. 
• Drafts City ordinances and other legal papers. 
• Prosecutes City ordinance violators. 
• Handles City employment law matters. 
• Coordinates title searches and prepares documents needed for roadway construction and other public works projects. 
• Represents the public interest in unsafe building and other public health and/or zoning matters such as the Carmel Motel and Thunder Alley.