Charlottesville City Attorney Jacob Stroman is on leave for a personal matter and a law firm that has previously worked as outside counsel will serve in the position on an interim basis.
“The term of the engagement with Sands Anderson is currently set for 60 days,” reads a press release sent out by the city this afternoon. “Our City Attorney, Jacob Stroman, is on leave. All active litigation is being managed to ensure the City does not fall behind.”
That litigation includes White v. Charlottesville, a suit filed by a group of property owners seeking to void the Development Code based on a claim that the city did not do enough to prepare for the transportation impacts of more residential density. The city has responded to the initial lawsuit and the Circuit Court records indicate a hearing date has been set but is not listed in the system.
Sands Anderson has served in this role before after former City Attorney Lisa Robertson abruptly resigned in late December 2022. Former interim City Manager Michael C. Rogers made a decision to hire in January 2023 as well as a second firm to represent the city on land use issues and provide advice while the Development Code was promulgated.
There are no remaining members of senior staff in the City Attorney’s office. Delegate Katrina Callsen had been a Deputy City Attorney but left after being elected in November to a two-year term representing the 54th District.
Deputy City Attorney Allyson Davies resigned from her position effective November 9, 2023 according to city officials.
The cost for the city to hire Sands Anderson for 60 days was not known as of Monday.
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