What is a city litigator?

That question may be on the minds of many citizens after the Natchez Board of Aldermen appointed attorney Bruce Lewis to the position Tuesday.

In fact, even Lewis is not quite sure what duties are included in the position or how he came to be nominated for the office.

&uot;Hank (Smith) called me after the meeting and asked me if I’d be interested in being the city’s litigator,&uot; Lewis said.

&uot;I told him I didn’t even know there was such a position.&uot;

Lewis said he had not been contacted prior to the meeting concerning the appointment, and he has had no discussion with city officials about city litigation, although he has done some litigation work for the city in the past.

About three years ago, Lewis handled a case involving a lawsuit against former Mayor Larry L. &uot;Butch&uot; Brown.

Lewis said he could recall one other instance, more than eight years ago, when he argued another lawsuit for the city.

City Attorney Walter Brown said the city has always had the right to name special counsel, but it has historically chosen to appoint on a case-by-case basis or allowed the city attorney to assign someone to handle litigation.

Smith said he initially placed Lewis’ name before the board and City Attorney Walter Brown, but the decision to appoint was a joint one.

&uot;It was not my decision only,&uot; Smith said. &uot;The board and Walter (Brown) did not disagree with that.&uot;

Smith added he based his recommendation on Lewis’ reputation and experience with litigation work.

The law firm of Gwin, Lewis & Punches, located in Natchez, specializes in handling lawsuits.

Lewis has not yet accepted the appointment. He said Smith told him Brown would contact him within the next few days to discuss the details of the position.