SOUTHFIELD — Susan Ward-Witkowski was appointed as the Southfield City Attorney at the July 29 City Council Meeting upon recommendation by Mayor Brenda Lawrence and approval by the Southfield City Council.
“My appointment, and Council’s approval, of Sue Ward-Witkowski as our new City Attorney reflects her extensive knowledge of the law as well as her outstanding character, ethics and integrity,” Mayor Brenda Lawrence said. “City Attorney Ward-Witkowski will do an outstanding job providing legal counsel to the City and in upholding Southfield’s strong legal reputation and standards.”
City Attorney Ward-Witkowski, who previously served as deputy city attorney, is a highly experienced attorney with over 25 years of municipal experience. Her daily responsibilities include: directing and defending all litigation for the City as requested by the City Council; drafting, reviewing and negotiating all City contracts; supervising legal, administrative support and clerical staffs within the department; selecting and monitoring all outside counsel; attending all Council meetings; advising Council and department heads on all legal matters; providing direction in labor negotiations; drafting and monitoring warrant requests for the police department; managing prosecution assignments for criminal, traffic violations, and other civil ordinance infractions; and implementing strategies for federal and state regulatory compliance/protocols.
City Attorney Ward-Witkowski earned her law degree from Wayne State University School of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Eastern Michigan University. She is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the Oakland County Bar Association and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys.
