It is our mission to improve the legal affairs of the City of Springfield with a commitment to excellence in all we do.

Our goal is to offer quality services to set community standards, and exceed expectations in a caring, convenient, cost-effective and accessible manner.

To a accomplish our mission and be recognized as a leader in providing quality services, our commitments are:

• To use new technology and management innovation to maintain a position of leadership.
• To encourage education to support our mission.
• To be cost effective.
• To be selective and prioritize what we do.

In the City Attorney's Department, those things we value include:

• Commitment to the City.
• Excellence.
• Integrity and trust.
• All City departments and their employees.
• Commitment to serving others above self with care and respect.
• Creativity, innovation and a willingness to accept new ideas and to change.
• Performance, results, and acceptance of accountability.
• Service with excellence.

The City Attorney's philosophy is based on our values. We expect all day-to-day decisions made by everyone in our department to reflect our mission and values. We are guided by the following:

• Be well-informed.
• Think, and use the resources we have to solve a problem.
• Listen and ask questions.
• Consult in advance with those affected by our actions, particularly with those who may disagree.
• Communicate openly and without ambiguity.
• Disagree openly if we have a contrary opinion, but never be disagreeable.
• Make a commitment to the City, its mission and its values.
• Encourage all to think of better ways to perform.
• Delegate decisions and reward those who take responsibility.
• Be honest, fair and consistent in relationships.
• Treat others with respect and be sensitive to their needs as well as to the needs of our department.
• Assume that those we deal with are trustworthy.
• Broaden our horizons and contacts.
• Accept accountability for our performance.
• Celebrate the accomplishments of others.
• Make a crucial difference by being a caring person.