Springfield city manager has named next city attorney. Here's what we know

Springfield has named a new city attorney. Jordan Paul was selected for the position by City Manager Jason Gage on Tuesday, according to a news release.

Paul has served as the city attorney for the City of Neosho and as assistant city attorney in Joplin. Before joining municipal government, he practiced civil law in Joplin.

The appointment comes after current City Attorney Rhonda Lewsader announced her retirement in July. She has held the position since 2018, though she has worked for the city of Springfield for 24 years. Lewsader will finish at the end of this year and Paul will take over Jan. 2, 2024.

The city attorney assists all city departments, City Council and city management with matters of municipal law and represents the city in all legal matters. According to the release, ordinances and resolutions are written by the legal staff before making their way in front of council. The law department employs 20 people.

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"I’m honored to have been selected to the position of great public trust and look forward to working with Jason and the City Council on the important work of the City moving forward," Paul said in the release.

Paul graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law. He has been selected as a Missouri and Kansas Rising Star in the areas of civil litigation and real estate by Super Lawyers.

He will make an annual salary of $200,00.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Contact her with tips at mmieze@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield city attorney position to be taken over by Jordan Paul