Farmington, Farmington Hills City Attorneys Resign from Secrest Wardle, Join New Firm

The City of Farmington on Thursday severed ties with long-time law firm Secrest Wardle, based in Farmington Hills, after learning city attorney Tom Schultz left the firm. 

City manager Vince Pastue said he learned earlier in the day that Schultz, Steve Meads and Beth Kudla, who all handle various aspects of city business, resigned from the firm. The three of them, and Farmington Hills city attorney Steve Joppich, have joined a new firm, Johnson, Rosati, Schultz & Joppich. 

Johnson Rosati, which has offices in Farmington Hills, is also a firm that represents municipalities. The new firm, Pastue said, was in place as of 6 p.m. Thursday. 

Pastue asked officials during Thursday's city council meeting to terminate the city's memorandum of understading with Secrest Wardle for cause, namely that the city attorney no longer works there. 

Officials also authorized Pastue to negotiate an interim contract with Johnson, Rosati, Schultz & Joppich, until requests for proposals can be developed. 

"This, at least, keeps some continuity," Pastue said. 

City council member Bill Galvin asked whether the city, in the interim, might be paying more for legal services.

"Absolutely not," Pastue said.