Legal Counsel (Town Counsel)

The Office of Town Counsel provides general legal services to the Town and its boards, committees and departments.
The following activities are representative of its duties and responsibilities:

• Trial preparations, including legal research, preparation of pleadings, briefs, motions, interviewing witnesses, discovery and review of evidence.
• Appearance in courts and other tribunals for trials and hearings
• Appellate court practice.
• Land and real estate matters including land acquisition, easements, licenses, leases, tax takings and other similar matters.
• Review of warrant and preparation for and attendance at Town Meetings.
• Prepare periodic litigation status report of cases pertaining to all town departments.
• Meet with and render legal advice and opinions to Town Administrator, Selectmen, Clerk, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Town Planner and other elected and appointed officials and heads of town boards and committees.
• Prepare opinion letters to auditors concerning potential or contingent liabilities.
• Advise appropriate town officials of recent developments in laws which affect their areas of concern.
• Prepare and issue opinions on conflict of interest law, open meeting law and public records law, as requested.
• Mediate disputes between boards and agencies to avoid intramural litigations.
• Periodic attendance at continuing legal education seminars in areas related to municipal law.
• Maintain liaison with the town's insurance carriers and special counsel engaged by the town for specialized areas or particular matters.
• Attend public meetings of boards and agencies when requested by the chairperson.
• Review and approve contracts for purchases of supplies or building construction as well as assist with bid protests.
• Draft and edit revisions to town by-laws, rules and regulations.