Springfield's City Attorney, Daniel Wichmer, whose council looked for answers on indecent exposure and the county jail, is set to leave his position soon. But the City Attorney has already accepted his new position as Executive Director of Legal Services of Southern Missouri.
According to NEWS-LEADER, Daniel Wichmer recently announced to the city Council on Tuesday that he will be leaving his position as Springfield's City Attorney. Also, that he is set to fill in the position of Executive Director for Legal Services of Southern Missouri.
"Dan has been a key member of our leadership team," City Manager Greg Burris said. Burris also added, "Given the functional diversity of the city, Dan has led a team covering many areas. One of the things I've most admired about Dan has been his interest in mentoring young attorneys and helping them get their start through internships at the city."
Part of the City Attorney's responsibilities is to give legal advice to 22 different City departments, the City Council, and all citizen boards and task forces. The City Attorney also directed that, the 16-person Law Department serves as an in-house, full-service law firm, handling court case for the city and drafting the entire council bills and contract of the city. In a year, that would mean that he has to handle 300 ordinances and 700 contracts, as mentioned in webpage of the CITY of Springfield.
Wichmer has been serving as the City Attorney for the City of Branson for two years. Prior to occupying his position, he engaged in the private practice of the law with the firm, Lathrop & Gage, L.C., he entered the public practice as he served the city since 2005.
Wichmer will direct Legal Services of Southern Missouri as it continues to offer free, high quality legal assistance to individuals and families with low income. Board President Craig R. Heidemann revealed that the board is thrilled that the former City Attorney agreed to serve as the organization's Executive Director, as reported by THE ROLLA DAILY NEWS. "His extensive management and legal experience, combined with his understanding of the work of Legal Services of Southern Missouri, makes him the ideal person to lead Legal Services of Southern Missouri," said Heidemann.
Meanwhile, the Legal Services of Missouri has recognized 6 offices all throughout its service area, including two in Springfield and one in West Plains, Rolla, Charleston, and Cape Girardeau. Wichmer's last day as the City of Springfield's Attorney will be on March 11.
