Wilmington Law Department reviews changes and retention strategies amid turnover challenges

Wilmington's Law Department is set to enhance its operational efficiency and attorney retention strategies as outlined in the recent FY2026 budget hearings. A key decision made during the meeting was the elimination of a legal assistant position, which will not be filled following the departure of the previous employee. This change reflects a shift in departmental needs, particularly as the department has adapted to new technologies that allow for effective monitoring without the need for additional staff.

The department has also reported a significant improvement in attorney retention, maintaining a fully staffed team of nine attorneys for over a year. This stability follows the implementation of a charter change that grants tenure to attorneys after three years of satisfactory service, a move aimed at bolstering recruitment and retention efforts. The city solicitor noted that while some attorneys have left for positions in other public sector roles, the tenure provision has positively impacted the department's ability to keep its staff.

However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the residency requirement for new hires. Feedback from applicants indicated that existing homeownership outside the city and family commitments have deterred some potential candidates from pursuing positions within the department. This has highlighted the need for ongoing discussions about the residency policy to ensure it does not hinder the recruitment of qualified legal professionals.

Additionally, the budget for legal fees has been set at $270,000, with a notable adjustment of $30,000 removed to address potential conflicts between the legislative and executive branches. This decision underscores the department's proactive approach to managing legal complexities while ensuring that adequate resources are allocated for necessary external legal expertise.

As Wilmington moves forward, the Law Department's strategic adjustments aim to enhance service delivery and maintain a robust legal team, ultimately benefiting the city's governance and operations.