Portsmouth names Susan Morrell next city attorney after Bob Sullivan retires
PORTSMOUTH — Susan G. Morrell has been selected as the next city attorney, coming to Portsmouth later this summer from her current role as New Hampshire senior assistant attorney general, city leaders announced Wednesday.
Morrell was chosen by City Manager Karen Conard to succeed Bob Sullivan, who previously announced he will retire July 26, his 40th anniversary as city attorney. Sullivan will continue with the city as a part-time counsel, advising on legal matters and ongoing litigation, according to the announcement.
Morrell, a Portsmouth resident, will start her new job Aug. 8, according to Conard. Conard said Morrell has not yet signed a contract, but an agreement is in place, according to Stephanie Seacoard, spokesperson for the city.
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“I am honored to be chosen to succeed Attorney Sullivan as Portsmouth’s city attorney," Morrell said in a prepared statement. "I look forward to this unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to this thriving community.”
Law experience
Morrell, who has four decades of experience in law, comes to the post after two stints with the state Department of Justice in the attorney general's office (1990-1995 and 1999- 2022), according to the city's announcement. She also has experience in prosecutorial law as a Strafford County deputy county attorney and assistant county attorney. She has also served as Keene's assistant city attorney and acting city attorney.
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“The city’s demands on our Legal Department are significant," Conard said in a prepared statement. "Attorney Sullivan’s knowledge, experience and familiarity with the nuances of cases involving the city are vast, and we knew it would be challenging to find a candidate who could answer our needs and ensure a smooth transition. Attorney Morrell brings both deep understanding of the law in New Hampshire and specific experience in the responsibilities of a city attorney to the job. I believe she will be an immediate asset to the city.”
Education
Morrell earned a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Maine and a law degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center (UNH School of Law). She is a resident of Portsmouth.
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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth NH names Susan Morrell next city attorney
