City Attorney Dawn King (center) taking Oath of Office

Dawn King was appointed as the Southfield City Attorney at the October 28 City Council Meeting upon recommendation by Mayor Ken Siver with approval by the Southfield City Council. Ms. King’s appointment will take effect on November 9 with the resignation of previous City Attorney Elizabeth Rae.

“My appointment and Council’s approval of Dawn King as our new City Attorney reflects her extensive knowledge of municipal law as well as her outstanding character, ethics and integrity,” commented Mayor Ken Siver. “City Attorney King will do an outstanding job providing legal counsel to the City and in upholding Southfield’s strong legal reputation and standards.”

City Attorney King, who previously served as deputy city attorney, is a highly experienced attorney with over 18 years of municipal law experience. She has been with the city of Southfield since 2003, initially hired as an Assistant City Attorney.  Her daily responsibilities will 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 King earned her Law Degree from Thomas Cooley School of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Michigan State University. She is a member of the Michigan Bar Association and the United States District Court Eastern Division.