Selectmen Notebook: Six Firms Interview for Foxborough Town Counsel

The Foxborough Board of Selectmen met Tuesday to interview six attorneys as candidates for town counsel. Each of the six law firms that applied for the position was given a half an hour slot in which to interview.

Each interview began with the same statement, explaining the interview process, which was read aloud by selectmen chairman James DeVellis. Then, each firm had the chance to give a 10-minute opening statement, which was followed by a 15-minute question and answer portion, and a five-minute closing statement.

The first interview was with Deutsch, Williams, Brooks, DeRensis, and Holland, PC. This law firm currently serves the town as Counsel. Attorney Paul DeRensis was joined by his partners, Kim Saillant and Rod Hoffman. DeRensis told the selectmen their firm stands for four things: independence, continuity, stability and accomplishments.

“We’re proud of what we’ve done for Foxborough, and we’re proud of Foxborough,” said DeRensis.

The second interview was Attorney Leonard Kopelman, from Kopelman and Paige, PC, joined by his associate Mark Rich. They told the
selectmen they would be with the town “in the trenches.” This firm does strictly municipal law.

Following Kopelman and Paige was Attorney J. Raymond Miyares, along with partner Christopher Heep, from the firm Miyares and Harrington, LLP. This firm also strictly practices municipal law. Miyares told selectmen that members of his firm meet every day for lunch to discuss their cases, which he says “means you will never get a phone call from someone (at the firm) who doesn’t know your town.”

Up next was Attorney James A. Toomey, from Murphy, Hess, Toomey, and Lehane, LLP. He was joined by Attorneys Brandon Moss and Mike Maccaro. Toomey told the board he “takes pride” in the fact he has represented several cities and towns in the Commonwealth for over 15 years, some for more than 20.

Attorney Jason R. Talerman from Blatman, Bobrowski, and Mead, LLC, was the next to be interviewed. He was joined by Attorney Rich Bowen. This firm offers a flat fee service and told the board they would help town officials “carry their burden.”

The last interview of the evening was Attorney Richard Gelerman and his partner Mike Cabral, from Gelerman and Cabral, LLC. Gelerman served as Foxborough Town Counsel for almost 30 years and currently serves as Counsel for Sharon, a position he says he has held for more than 20 years. Gelerman says he sets his firm apart with his “historic knowledge of this community.”

The board agreed to review their notes from Tuesday's interviews, the applications, and the fees associated with each firm. The board plans to discuss the matter at its next meeting, after which they will make a selection for town counsel.