Sandy Springs Appoints New City Attorney

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Coming on the heels of City Attorney Wendell Willard announcing his plans to retire from the post as well as state legislature, the city of Sandy Springs has wasted no time in finding a replacement.

Mayor Rusty Paul announced Tuesday that Daniel W. Lee has been chosen to serve as the city's lead attorney. The position and its appointment, was completed in keeping with the City’s Charter.

“Selecting a city attorney to succeed Wendell Willard, the only city attorney Sandy Springs has had, was a challenging decision," Paul said in a prepared statement. "His sage counsel and commitment to the betterment of our community is unparalleled."

Willard was a member of the core team which founded the city of Sandy Springs, the model serving as the blueprint for 10 Georgia cities created since 2005. Willard authored the legislation establishing the city of Sandy Springs as well as legislation creating the Chattahoochee River 911 Authority and the North Fulton Radio Authority, in addition to representing the area as a member of the Georgia General Assembly for 17 years.

Lee is a partner with the firm Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. He comes with more than 25 years’ legal expertise in governmental law and professional liability. His tenure includes service as a county attorney and representing more than 30 cities and counties in Georgia. Lee is also a former member of the Georgia State Senate, serving three terms.

In addition, Freeman, Mathis & Gary has extensive municipal experience that will provide support for the city’s legal operations.

Mayor Paul also paid tribute to outgoing city attorney Willard, adding the city "could not have had a better, more respected attorney lead us in the first 12 years of existence."

"Not only has he managed the city’s legal affairs successfully, he has helped the city enormously through his legislative skills at the state capitol,” he added.

Willard said his role as city attorney was "never a job, but a true labor of love."

"And as I look to retirement, I can leave knowing that Sandy Springs is in good legal hands with Dan,” he added.

While the position of city attorney is an appointed position, the mayor asked the city to issue a request for qualifications for legal services with the scope of work including all legal services for Sandy Springs to obtain a full appreciation of how interested firms would manage the city’s legal department. Six firms, including Freeman Mathis & Gary, submitted proposals.

Paul sought advice and counseling from numerous individuals he respected, including local lawyers, City Manager John McDonough and Willard, but in the end, the city charter charges the mayor with making a selection.

“After consulting with these stakeholders, I also had in-depth conversations with several firms that submitted proposals and they were all extremely qualified, but I felt that Mr. Lee would be a worthy successor to Rep. Willard,” Paul said.

Lee will work with Willard over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition period. Willard will continue in his private law practice and will continue to represent Sandy Springs in his role as State Representative through 2018, when he begins an announced retirement from formal public service.

Image via city of Sandy Springs