Arlington Names Michael Cunningham New Town Counsel

ARLINGTON, MA — The Town of Arlington announced last week that Michael Cunningham has been named town counsel.

Cunningham, who began his new position on Monday, had served as Arlington's deputy town counsel/workers' compensation agent since 2020.

Cunningham said he was excited to become the town's chief legal officer.

"Arlington is an engaged community. From its leadership team to the many volunteers that make Arlington work, I look forward to this new opportunity," Cunningham said.

In his new position, Cunningham's duties will include: prosecuting and defending all litigation and providing legal representation and advice to the town manager, Select Board and all other officials, departments and commissions of the Town.

In his previous role as deputy town counsel/workers' compensation agent, Cunningham provided legal advice and ethics training, prepared the warrant articles for Town Meeting and reviewed legal contracts for the Town. Additionally, he oversaw Arlington's Workers' compensation and Line of Duty programs.

"Cunningham's experience in municipal law, negotiation, litigation, and consensus building make him an ideal fit for this role," Arlington Town Manager Jim Feeney said. "As Arlington's deputy town counsel, he has already proven himself to be a collaborative partner in all his interactions that delivers quality results. His institutional knowledge is invaluable"

Cunningham, who has over 20 years of experience as an attorney, holds a Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law. He also is a member of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the U.S. District Court (Massachusetts District).