Law

The Law Department represents the City of Parma in all criminal prosecutions and civil litigation; acts as legal adviser and counsel to the mayor, Parma City Council and all city offices, employees, departments, boards and commissions; and prepares legislation at City Council’s request.

Law Director

Scott Tuma

Scott Tuma began serving as Parma law director in January 2024. Previously, he served for Cuyahoga County Council since January 2017.

During his tenure on County Council, Tuma was a strong advocate of law enforcement and reasonable bail reform measures. He was the primary sponsor of the charter amendment passed by voters in November 2019 that granted greater autonomy to the sheriff. He also worked with other county officials to fight the opioid epidemic. In 2018, he procured a $40,000 grant award for a drug awareness and prevention program at Parma City School District. In 2022, he and his colleagues approved legislation appropriating $5 million towards an Opioid Innovation Fund to promote and test new treatment and prevention strategies.

While on County Council, Tuma partnered with municipalities in District 4, which includes Parma, to update aging infrastructure and improve economic development. Along with his colleagues, he helped procure millions in American Rescue Plan Act funds for major projects, including $4 million for the new Ridgewood Golf Course clubhouse/event center.

Tuma served as Ward 8 councilman for Parma from July 2005 through December 2016. He also served as voluntary magistrate for the Parma Juvenile Diversion Program, board member for the Parma Board of Zoning Appeals and president of the Parma Bar Association.

Prior to serving as Parma law director, Tuma worked in private practice for more than 24 years, employed most of that time with the law firm Robert L. Tuma & Associates. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (now CSU College of Law), bachelor’s degree in history/political science from Walsh College (now Walsh University) and master’s degree in history from Cleveland State University. He is a graduate of Padua Franciscan High School.

He and his wife, Joann, live in Parma and are parents of three children.

Chief Assistant Law Director

James Boyle

James Boyle earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University, Ohio, and his Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Prior to joining the Parma Law Department, Boyle worked in numerous public positions, including assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor, assistant Ohio attorney general and policy adviser to Cuyahoga County Council. In addition, he served as an at-large city councilman for the City of South Euclid from 1998 to 2005.

Boyle lives in Orange Village with his wife of 32 years, Dr. Rebecca Boyle. Rebecca Boyle has served on the Orange School Board since 2017. The Boyle’s two children are students at The Ohio State University.

Location

7335 Ridge Road (second floor)
Parma, Ohio 44129 

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contact

Phone: 440-885-8132
Fax: 440-885-8008
Email: law@cityofparma-oh.gov

Quick Links

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