Mayor Taps Michigan Man for City Attorney

The city council will consider the appointment of Harvard graduate and "Rising Star" Brigham C. Smith of Lansing, Mich., as city attorney at its November meeting.

Mayor Daniei T. Drew announced today he has recommended Smith for the position and the common council will examine his selection at its Nov. 5 regular meeting.

Acting city attorney Timothy P. Lynch assumed the duties after city attorney Trina Solecki retired in February 2009.

Smith ls now the city attorney of Lansing and upon confirmation will relocate to Middletown.

Drew referenced Smith's credentials, saying he was a strong candidate.

"Attorney Smith is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned his bachelor’s degree with the highest distinction. He is also a graduate of Harvard Law School, graduating in May of 2001, cum laude. Smith brings to the city of Middletown a background in public service general counsel experience that includes litigation, iabor, contract negotiations, pension and retirement matters, land development and criminal justice.

"His passion for bringing forward innovative ideas and concepts to a community was evident during our interviews and the city of Middìetown will be the beneficiary of landing such an outstanding candidate for our management team," said Drew.

Smith has worked for the city of Lansing since 2006 as city attorney. Lansing is Michigan’s capital city, with 900 employees and a $185 million annual budget.

Prior to working for Lansing, Smith was a partner associate with the law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP. He also teaches upper-level courses in civil litigation at the Michigan State University College of Law.

From December of 1997 to August of 1998, Smith was a staffer for The White House. In 2068 and 2009, he received the Rising Star award from SuperLawyers Magazine as one of the nation's top young attorneys, as chosen by peers.

If confirmed by the Common Council, Smith is expected to start work in January 2013.