Town counsel removes himself from SMOC suit

Town counsel removes himself from SMOC suit Sunday, January 6, 2008

D. Craig MacCormack 508-626-4429 Metrowest Daily News

FRAMINGHAM - Town Counsel Chris Petrini last week removed himself as counsel in the federal discrimination lawsuit brought against a dozen town officials in October by South Middlesex Opportunity Council.
Last month, Petrini withdrew his name as the attorney for eight of the 12 defendants, ceding control of the litigation to the Boston law firm Mintz Levin, with Jeffrey Robbins serving as lead attorney.
This week, Petrini filed a removal of appearance notice for Town Meeting members Peter Adams, Cynthia Laurora, Laurie Lee and Steven Orr, all of whom have hired their own attorneys to represent them as individuals.
Private citizen Anthony Siciliano hired John St. Andre to represent him in the case, and Harold Wolfe hired Boston-based attorney Patrick Bannon last week.
The sides will attempt to mediate the dispute starting next week, with retired federal magistrate Charles Swartwood III hearing the matter. Mediation is not binding and it is unclear if Swartwood will make recommendations at the end of the three days, which include Wednesday and Thursday along with Jan. 18.

Town counsel removes himself from SMOC suit	Sunday, January 6, 2008
D. Craig MacCormack 508-626-4429	Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM - Town Counsel Chris Petrini last week removed himself as counsel in the federal discrimination lawsuit brought against a dozen town officials in October by South Middlesex Opportunity Council. Last month, Petrini withdrew his name as the attorney for eight of the 12 defendants, ceding control of the litigation to the Boston law firm Mintz Levin, with Jeffrey Robbins serving as lead attorney. This week, Petrini filed a removal of appearance notice for Town Meeting members Peter Adams, Cynthia Laurora, Laurie Lee and Steven Orr, all of whom have hired their own attorneys to represent them as individuals. Private citizen Anthony Siciliano hired John St. Andre to represent him in the case, and Harold Wolfe hired Boston-based attorney Patrick Bannon last week. The sides will attempt to mediate the dispute starting next week, with retired federal magistrate Charles Swartwood III hearing the matter. Mediation is not binding and it is unclear if Swartwood will make recommendations at the end of the three days, which include Wednesday and Thursday along with Jan. 18.

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