City of Shelby on the hunt for new attorney

The city of Shelby is once again seeking candidates to fill the position of city attorney.

Following nearly two years of service to the city, Andrea Leslie-Fite has moved on to be the Guilford County attorney. Her last day was Monday.

City Manager Rick Howell said they are currently looking for an interim as well as a full-time permanent position.

He said at this time, the city is not looking for someone who is interested in the job, but simply someone to maintain the position while staff goes through the process of finding a permanent replacement.

The city attorney reports to the city manager and represents the city in all legal matters. The position involves serving as the legal advisor to City Council, city administration and staff, and various boards and commissions, among other duties.

“We have put out a notice in a variety of ways asking for local firms and individual attorneys who may have interest in serving in an interim role on a contract basis,” Howell said.

More: Shelby hires full-time attorney

He said the city has also advertised the full-time permanent position in the NC Bar, League of Municipalities and a number of other publications.

Howell will review the candidates, and then City Council members will make a decision on the interim attorney.

“The permanent position will go through the standard hiring process for a department level position,” he said. Once a candidate is selected, a recommendation is made to city council members who will vote to approve the appointment.

Howell said the city attorney’s office is in excellent shape, thanks to Leslie-Fite.

Leslie-Fite, who is a Shelby native, has more than 15 years experience providing legal service to local governments in North Carolina. She was hired in 2020 as the city's first full-time attorney at a salary of $120,000.

“Andrea has done a phenomenal job,” Howell said. “She's a first class attorney, thorough, knowledgeable, a great team player. I'm going to miss her terribly both professionally and personally, but I'm very proud of the fact that she has this opportunity in Guildford County because she deserves it.”

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Shelby on the hunt for new attorney