New general legal counsel announced at New Canaan BOS meeting

The Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday morning to approve a letter of engagement with law firm Berchem, Moses & Devlin to serve as the town's general counsel, replacing Lovejoy and Rimer, which represented New Canaan for 29 years.

First Selectman Rob Mallozzi announced that while the town has been happy with the work done by current general counsel Chris Jarboe and his firm Lovejoy and Rimer, the town's legal needs in recent years have grown beyond the capability of the small firm.

"Simply stated, the town's legal matters have grown, and the larger firm of Berchem, Moses & Devlin can cover more service areas, not offered by Lovejoy and Rimer, which will enable the town to put more of its legal services under one roof," Mallozzi wrote in a news release Tuesday, adding that the town and firm split amicably and will continue to engage on certain issues going forward.

Berchem, Moses & Devlin has 32 attorneys and serves several municipalities in the region, including Darien, Greenwich, New Haven, and Bridgeport.

New Canaan's point person will be Ira Bloom, who offered legal advice during the Jelliff Mill project. He will officially begin in his new role on Oct. 1.

"It certainly is an honor to represent the town," Bloom said at the BOS meeting. "I thank you and we look forward to it."

The Board also announced that the price for legal services will remain at the current rate for at least the next two years.

twoods@bcnnew.com; 203-972-4413; @Woods_NCNews