TOPEKA, Kan. - Topeka City Manager Norton Bonaparte announced Friday that he has chosen a former United States Attorney for Kansas, Jackie Williams, to manage and lead the City of Topeka’s Legal Department and all of its affairs.

Williams, who currently serves as the Distinguished Senior Fellow for the Criminal Justice program at Wichita State University, will begin his new position August 25.

Bonaparte said he chose Williams because of his vast experience in managing and leading legal departments.

Williams was appointed U.S. attorney by President Bill Clinton in January 1996 and resigned in May 2001 following a change in presidential administrations, which is customary. While the U.S. attorney for Kansas, he managed approximately 90 employees in the Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City, KS offices, about one half of which were Assistant U.S. Attorneys.

“Mr. Williams has the background and experience in managing a large staff dealing with complex legal issues,” Bonaparte said. “While we do not have a large legal staff, we are a full-service shop and deal with a variety of legal issues. He has the credentials I was looking for.”

At the City, Williams will lead a staff of 12 attorneys and 10 support staff. The department provides legal counsel to City departments, the City Manager and the governing body; defends the City in litigation or claims brought on by outside parties; prosecutes those who violate City ordinances; and handles internal risk management issues.

Williams replaces Brenden Long who resigned January 25 of this year after working for the City since September 2001. Assistant City Attorney Braxton Copley took over as interim director upon Long’s departure.

Williams’ starting salary is $101,000.