The City of New Bedford has a new City Solicitor and it's someone who is very familiar with the office.  Mayor Jon Mitchell has named Eric Jailkes as the city's top lawyer.  Jaikes has served as an Assistant City Solicitor for 21 years, working in the administrations of Frederick Kalisz Jr., Scott Lang, and Jon Mitchell.

"It has been my pleasure to provide legal advice and representation to three different administrations as an Assistant City Solicitor,” Jaikes said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve New Bedford in my new role."

According to a release from the Mayor's Office, Jaikes has worked on the recent successful litigation against waste hauler ABC Disposal, Operation of the New Bedford Regional Airport, and dredging projects in the Port of New Bedford.

“Eric has played a major role on the City’s legal team for a long time. His breadth of knowledge and legal skills will make him ready to go on day one,” Mayor Mitchell said.

Jaikes is replacing Mikaela Mcdermot, who the Mayor's Office said is stepping down  after more than a decade of exemplary service.  McDermott began her City service in 2010, under former Mayor Scott Lang. She then worked as an Assistant Chief of Staff under Mayor Mitchell, who named her City Solicitor in January 2014.

The release says McDermott oversaw many significant issues including the $8.5 million settlement in 2015—the largest settlement in the City’s history—from AVX Corp. and Cornell-Dubilier Electronics, after litigation involving chemical contamination at the Parker Street Waste Site, which included Keith Middle School and New Bedford High School.

She also oversaw the ABC Disposal litigation and a variety of novel legal issues emerging from the 2019 ransomware attack and the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“The City has been most fortunate to have had Mikaela McDermott as its chief legal counsel,” Mayor Mitchell said. “Her capacity for exacting analysis, unwavering professionalism, work ethic and commitment to service enabled our City to solve the thorniest of legal challenges. She saved taxpayers countless expense, and elevated the administration’s ability to deliver for New Bedford residents.”

Information from New Bedford Mayor's Office

 

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