Law Department

Law Director Carol Dillon Horvath
216 433-1300
E-mail: 

Ms. Horvath graduated with a BA in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University and a JD from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. She was elected Law Director for the City of Brook Park in 2016. She is a life-long Brook Park resident, with a law practice here, and is married, with two children, and four grandchildren.

Assistant Law Director/Prosecutor Peter A. Sackett

Mr. Sackett graduated with a JD from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. He serves as prosecutor in both Mayor’s Court and Berea Municipal Court.

Victoria Cardaman, Administrative Assistant to the Law Director

Ms. Cardaman has a JD from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. She prepares legislation, conducts legal research and handles insurance claims. She also serves as Chair for the Records Commission.

Mission Statement

The Brook Park Legal Department protects the legal interests of the City, defends and represents the City in lawsuits. The Law Director is the chief legal counsel for the City, and provides legal advice to the Mayor, Council, City Departments and all Boards and Commissions. The Law Department prepares legal opinions and keeps all departments informed on the ever changing legal landscape. All legislation is prepared and approved by the legal department. We also review all contracts and public record requests. Additionally, all insurance claims are first overseen by the Law Department. Some matters are primarily handled by our insurance defense counsel in conjunction with the Law Department.  Due to legal constraints, the Law Department staff is unable to provide legal advice to residents concerning private legal disputes and any other private matters.

6161 Engle Road
Brook Park, Ohio 44142

Public Records Request

City Charter and Government Structure

Brook Park prides itself on its unique charter city status, which provides a tailored governance framework akin to state or federal constitutions. The city's government is composed of three integral branches:

  • Administrative Branch: Spearheaded by the mayor, this branch is at the forefront of city management and execution of policies.
  • Legislative Branch: The city council forms this branch, engaging in the important work of developing legislative policies for the community.
  • Elected Officials: In Brook Park, the roles of Law and Finance Directors are filled through elections, providing a direct voice to the residents, unlike the common practice of mayoral appointments.

Election Cycles and Governance

Elected officials, including the Mayor, Finance Director, and Law Director, serve the community with four-year terms, while the city council is elected every two years, ensuring continual engagement with the electoral process.

Law Office: A Multifaceted Role

The Law Department is a cornerstone of Brook Park's governance, responsible for:

  • Handling criminal misdemeanor matters, which are processed through the Green Municipal Court or Mayor's Court.
  • Drafting legislative documents for both the city council and mayor, aiding in community initiatives such as enhancing local law enforcement capabilities.
  • Providing advisory services, with the law director participating in council meetings and various commissions to offer legal counsel.

Operational Adaptability

The Law Department has shown remarkable adaptability, with changes such as:

  • Combining roles to enhance efficiency, like the creation of an assistant director position through the merger of offices.
  • Shifting to remote operations, including telephone-based resolutions, to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures.

Legal Process Insights

The department distinguishes between felony and misdemeanor cases, with felonies being addressed in common pleas court, while misdemeanors are managed locally. The prosecutor plays a critical role in reviewing cases and deciding on charges.

Expertise and Staffing

With a team of highly experienced attorneys and administrative staff who are also legally trained, the department is well-equipped to handle legislative drafting and manage the city's insurance claims. The department has weathered changes, including the pandemic's impact on campaigning and operations, with resilience and a commitment to service.

Functions and Responsibilities

The Law Office is versatile, overseeing civil and criminal cases, legislative drafting, and insurance claim management. It also fulfills specific legal obligations such as overseeing indigent burials and enforcing residential restrictions for sexual offenders.

Collaborative Efforts

For specialized legal matters, the Law Department may engage outside counsel, a decision made in concert with the mayor and relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the best expertise is brought to bear on complex issues.

Financial Stewardship

The Law Department, in coordination with the Finance Department and the mayor, is actively involved in selecting and reviewing insurance policies to protect the city's interests, including innovative coverages like cyber-attack insurance.

Legal Advisory and Efficiency

The department provides legal opinions on various matters, contributing to the city's governance with expert advice. Post-COVID adjustments have streamlined the staff to three members, maintaining efficiency and effectiveness.

Beyond the Law Office: A Broader Perspective

The discussions within the Law Department often extend to the influence of politics in various spheres, including sports and societal changes. These conversations explore the complexity of political science, the challenges of establishing third-party politics, and the evolving dynamics of voter behavior and community resilience in the face of urbanization.

The Law Department of Brook Park remains committed to its mission of providing transparent, efficient, and effective legal services to the community, fostering an environment of trust and accountability.