Derby Mayor-Elect Selects Legal Team

Information via the city of Derby

DERBY, CT — Mayor-Elect Jospeh DiMartino has selected the legal team at Berchem Moses PC to serve as corporation counsel to the city.

According to a news release provided by the city, the legal team will be led by attorney Richard Buturla.

The Milford-based law firm represents a number of municipalities in Connecticut with a full legal staff specializing in municipal law, planning and zoning, labor relations and litigation.

"After working with [Buturla] as a member of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen a few years ago," DiMartino said in a news release, "it was clear to me that his thorough and transparent approach to giving legal advice to the city of Derby is consistent with my new approach to government here in Derby."

Berchem Moses PC was hired in 2021 as special counsel to the city of Derby in connection with the proposed Senior Center merger with Ansonia, according to the city.

Berchem Moses PC also served as Corporation Counsel from 1998 to 2006 during former Mayor Marc Garofalo's administration and currently serves as town counsel to the town of Seymour.

"Attorney Buturla has extensive knowledge of city of Derby, its charter and ordinances, and zoning regulations," DiMartino said. "Based on their solid legal advice, they still enjoy a very solid and credible reputation in Derby and the surrounding area...I want city lawyers who will give good and solid legal advice to the entire administration. Therefore, after careful consideration, I feel that Richard Buturla and the Berchem Moses legal team will restore that tradition here in Derby. It is needed now more than ever."

The appointment will be effective Dec. 2 upon the swearing in of DiMartino and his new administration, according to the city.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Derby," Buturla said in a news release. "We look forward to working with Mayor-Elect DiMartino and his team."