Brookline Names Joseph Callanan As Town Counsel

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline has named Joseph Callanan as Town Counsel, according to Town Administrator Mel Kleckner.

Callanan, who will begin his new role on Monday, March 21, will oversee the Town of Brookline's legal department after serving in a similar role as the Town Solicitor in Weymouth since 2016. In Weymouth, Callanan oversaw all of the town's legal affairs, including drafting contracts and agreements while providing guidance to the mayor, Town Council, and other town officials.

Prior to joining the Town of Weymouth, Callanan served in the offices of three Massachusetts Attorneys General, including Thomas Reilly, Martha Coakley, and Maura Healey. In various roles at the Attorney General's Office, Callanan worked on cases related to land use, civil rights, contracts, and torts.

Callanan began his career as a prosecutor in then-Bristol District Attorney Paul Walsh's office before joining Attorney General's Office. He also worked in private practice from 2007 to 2010.

Before obtaining his law degree, Callanan worked as an aide for Gov. Bill Weld, as legislative director for State Sen. Robert Hedlund, and in the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.

"Joe has an extensive record of success as an attorney working in the public interest, and we look forward to the wealth of knowledge and experience he'll bring to Brookline as our next town counsel," Kleckner said in a statement.

Callanan also served as a member of the board of directors of Northeastern University School of Law Alumni/ae Association from 2005 to 2017, including as president from 2010 to 2011.