Charlotte's new interim city attorney played a role in ousting predecessor

The interim city attorney, Anthony Fox, previously negotiated the exit of his predecessor, City Attorney Patrick Baker

The following article appeared in the Dec. 18, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.

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Charlotte’s new interim city attorney helped show his predecessor the door

New interim City Attorney Anthony Fox (left) negotiated the exit package for outgoing City Attorney Patrick Baker.

The Charlotte City Council appointed a new interim city attorney on Monday, and the Parker Poe partner taking the job is the same lawyer the city hired to negotiate the exit of his predecessor.

Without debate, the council and mayor voted 9-3 to name Anthony Fox to the post. (That’s a different person than former Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx.) The role of city attorney is one of three positions that the city’s council members and mayor directly hire and supervise.

In the last few weeks, council members have been discussing the ouster of City Attorney Patrick Baker in closed sessions, as is permitted under state law.