City of Soda Springs welcomes new attorney

After the recent unexpected passing of city attorney Gregg Haney, the City of Soda Springs worked to ensure legal continuity as quickly as possible, especially considering the number of impending projects and contracts underway which require legal advice. 

It was determined by the City Council, and ratified by motion, to appoint two attorneys for the city’s needs.  Luckily, the search was fairly short.  Current County Attorney Doug Wood, who also provides legal counsel to the City of Grace, was contracted to provide prosecutorial services for the city.  Firm partner Tom Smith of Spinner, Wood and Smith, applied for the position to handle the city’s civil law issues, and was appointed to the position in April.  Wood joined the City Council for his first meeting last week, and the Enterprise had a chance to meet with him to talk about his new position.

Smith has lived between Inkom and McCammon for almost 22 years.  He graduated from law school at the University of Utah in 2009.  Before that, he lived in North Carolina and Northern California before moving to Idaho in 2002.  Smith has been practicing law since he was licensed in 2009, starting with family law, but more recently representing bankruptcy trustees, the city of Pocatello housing authority, and
private clients.

In terms of how the division of labor will work between himself and Wood, Smith explains “Doug will handle all of the criminal cases and I will handle the civil cases which include all other issues that do not involve crimes. For example, civil issues involving the city include advising the city staff how to comply with state and federal regulations, representing the city in contract negotiations, reviewing legal documents, advising the city staff how to reduce the city’s liability, and many other issues.”

While civil issues are basically the same for cities of any size, Smith stresses that “it is important while representing small cities to make sure they are not ignored by the state and federal governments.”

As far as living in the area, Smith appreciates how it allows him to live a rural lifestyle (raising animals, enjoying the outdoors, and so on), but also to maintain a professional career where he interacts with people all around the state and country.

To that end, Smith refers to himself as an “amateur homesteader” and enjoys raising sheep and growing his own food, which he says is a nice break from legal work and helps him unwind after a long week.

The Enterprise wishes him much success in his new position.