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Office Of The
Mayor

Department of Law Response to COVID-19

Thank you for visiting our webpage. We are here to help.

Right to Know Requests

  • The Department of Law continues to be accept Right to Know requests and we are working diligently to provide the requested information within the five (5) day period. Some requests require that we ask for an additional thirty (30) days. Given that City Hall may be short staffed due to COVID-19, our turnaround time may go past the 30 days. We ask for your patience and understanding should some requests go past the 30 day extension.
     
  • Requests can be submitted by:
    • Email:
      This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • Mail:
      815 Washington Street, Room 2-39
      Reading, PA 19601

 

We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

 

Welcome to the City of Reading Department of Law

The Department of Law’s primary function is to provide legal counsel and guidance to all parts of the City government. The Department of Law acts as the attorney for the City and its officials and renders legal opinions and advice for the Mayor, City Council, and City departments. The Department of Law provides guidance on federal, state, and municipal laws, including the City Charter and Administrative Code. It is responsible for and handles litigation, prepares and reviews contracts, right to know requests, and other legal instruments, including liens, and prepares and reviews legislation. City attorneys attend all City Council public meetings as well as many board and commission meetings (Reading Planning Commission, Board of Health, Blighted Property Review Committee, etc.). The Department of Law currently consists of six employees: four licensed attorneys - a solicitor and three legal specialists; and two administrative support assistants- an executive secretary/administrative aide/paralegal and a confidential secretary.

 

Fred Lachat, Solicitor
Phone Number: 610-655-6208
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mailing Address: City Hall, 815 Washington St. Room 2-39 Reading, PA 19601-3690

 

Currently the Department of Law does not provide copies of resolutions, ordinances, leases or agreements. Copies of resolutions and ordinances can be found on this website. If you can't locate a copy of the document on the website, contact the City Clerk’s office at 610 655 6204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.ov