Hopewell native named city attorney

Hopewell City Council has hired a city native to be its next city attorney, ending a six-month search to fill the position.

Thomas E. Lacheney, who has experience in business and litigation law, started yesterday.

Lacheney, 48, is replacing interim City Attorney Stefan M. Calos, a Hopewell native and member of the Sands Anderson Marks & Miller law firm in Richmond. Calos was hired after City Attorney Edwin N. Wilmot resigned in September.

Wilmot, Hopewell's city attorney for 13 years, left after rumors spread that city officials wanted to make his position part time. He is now a county attorney in Gloucester County.

Lacheney, a graduate of Hopewell High School, was hired full time at an annual salary of $100,000. He graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law, passed the bar in 1993 and most recently was a partner at Deal & Lacheney law firm in Henrico County.

Before receiving his law degree, he worked in several businesses, including in finance administration and accounting and as a systems analyst.

Lacheney has not represented a government before, but Hopewell officials highlighted his knowledge of the city and his background in business and general law.

Council members discussed making the city attorney position part time as a savings alternative in tough economic times, Vice Mayor N. Gregory Cuffey said. But they ruled out the option because the legal advice is necessary, especially as the city is working on numerous development contracts and is expected to see more development, he said.

"It brings stability knowing that someone is out there for a long haul," said Cuffey, who made the announcement Tuesday. "We have several pending legalities, and they are going to be critical for our city."

Lacheney lives in Chesterfield County but plans to move to Hopewell to comply with a job requirement to live in the city.

Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or .