Torrance Will Add Attorney to City Staff

Responding to a growing number of lawsuits filed by and against the city, the Torrance City Council has agreed to add another lawyer to its six-member city attorney’s office.

City Atty. Kenneth Nelson, who had requested two new lawyers for his staff, told the council Tuesday that the single new position that it created--assistant city attorney--would relieve some of the work load. The position will pay $68,892.

The office already has one assistant city attorney, along with four deputy city attorneys, a less senior position.

Nelson estimates that with benefits and support expenses the new position will cost the city $101,000 annually. It will be paid from existing budgets for liability claims and redevelopment matters.