Monday, May 20, 2013
By Randy Billings rbillings@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND — The city’s mayor said Monday night that he will not hire an outside consulting firm to assist the city with its search for a new city lawyer.
Allowing the city’s Human Resources Department to conduct the search could save the city between $20,000 and $30,000 in consulting fees, Mayor Michael Brennan said.
Gary Wood announced last month that he will retire as the city’s corporation counsel on Sept. 14. Wood has held that position for 21 years.
Brennan met with members of the City Council during a workshop in City Hall to discuss finding a replacement for Wood.
The majority of councilors felt that an advisory committee consisting of councilors and local lawyers should be formed.
The city will limit its search to only those candidates who have already passed the Maine bar exam, as opposed to conducting a national search. Any out-of-state attorney would have to pass the Maine exam before they could start practicing on behalf of the city, officials said.
At its September meeting, the City Council will be asked to approve an interim corporation counsel.
Wood, 65, was hired as corporation counsel in 1991. His current salary is $96,600.
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