Law Department

Law Director, City of Newton Falls

A. Joseph Fritz

Attorney A. Joseph "Joe" Fritz hails from St. Marys, a small rural community in north central Pennsylvania where he began his love for outdoor activities and the small community way of life. He attended The Pennsylvania State University, Youngstown State University & ultimately attained his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from the University of Akron in 1989. He was licensed in the State of Ohio in 1990 and the Federal District Court in 1993.

He became Newton Falls Director of Law and also the Prosecutor of the Newton Falls Municipal in 2010. The Director of Law is a part-time position retained by City Council. Joe started a private legal practice over thirty years ago and continues his general practice of the law. His private practice includes civil litigation, criminal law, family law and business consulting. He is a member of the Ohio Bar Association, the Trumbull County Bar Association and is a Life Patriot Benefactor of the National Rifle Association.

Joe is married to Susan, a retail manager, for over twenty years and has one adult son. He continues his lifelong learning of music, fishing and care of animals.

Duties of Director of Law

The Director of Law shall be the chief legal advisor of all offices, departments, and agencies and all officers and employees in matters relating to their official powers and duties. He shall represent the City in all legal proceedings.

The Director of Law also is involved in City-related functions such as civil litigation, employee relations and arbitration procedures, legislative functions, risk management, and dispute resolution processes.

The Director of Law coordinates the codification of the city ordinances.

The Director of Law retains the Prosecutor in the Newton Falls Municipal Court. The Court jurisdiction covers the City of Newton Falls, the Villages of Lordstown and West Farmington and the Townships of Newton, Braceville, Southington, Bristol, Farmingtom, Mespotamia, and Bloomfield.