Loxahatchee Groves Town Attorney Michael Cirullo this week announced the resignation of his law firm, Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol PA, as legal counsel for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.
Cirullo, who is a shareholder with the firm, did not give specific reasons for his firm’s resignation. The firm has provided legal services to the town since its inception.
“You did receive the resignation letter from our law firm,” Cirullo told the council at its meeting Tuesday. “Our retainer does provide for a 30-day notice. We will, of course, honor whatever timeline is necessary for the town to find either an interim or a permanent replacement, and we know our obligations for transition of the work, so there is a smooth transition of information and knowledge to both the new management team, as well as the next attorney.”
Cirullo’s announcement came the same evening that the council chose Severn Trent Services as the town’s new management company.
Cirullo recommended that the current management firm put out a notice seeking a new law firm, pointing out that he would not be involved in the process. He recommended looking at other municipalities to see how they had found new legal representation.
“I thank you. It has been an honor, it really has,” Cirullo said. “I don’t know if anybody here is a ‘Star Trek’ fan, but if anybody remembers what the final episode was, it was called ‘All Good Things,’ and I think the timing is right for the firm and for myself, professionally and personally, to go ahead and allow the town to do what it needs to do moving forward. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve the town.”
Cirullo reiterated that his firm would be available for longer than 30 days for the transition, if needed. “That’s your prerogative,” he said.
“I’d request you through December, but that’s another story,” Councilman Jim Rockett said.
During public comment, resident Phillis Maniglia said she did not understand why the attorney would resign with no stated cause.
“I don’t believe that an attorney walks away from six-plus years of a steady paycheck for no issues,” Maniglia said. “I think there are serious issues with this council. I think attacking this management company was one of the worst things you have ever done to us. I feel Underwood Management has stood strong for the people of this town and answered questions. They believe in transparent government. They have been looking over invoices, and that is why you’re getting rid of them.”
Cirullo is also the attorney for the City of Lighthouse Point and serves other public clients for the firm.
