Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession today announced that he has appointed Jim Craven, who has more than 30 years’ legal experience in Spokane, to the position of City Attorney. Craven’s appointment still must be forwarded to the City Council for confirmation.

If confirmed, Craven would succeed Howard Delaney, who has served as interim City Attorney since August 2005.

“Jim Craven brings a wealth of legal and managerial experience to the City,” said Mayor Hession. “We are very fortunate to have a professional of this caliber willing to give up his private practice to serve the public. I look forward to working with him on the many issues the City faces.”

Craven thanked the Mayor and said, “I am looking forward to working with the Mayor, City Council, and Legal staff to help in any way I can to move the City forward.”

The City Attorney serves both the Mayor and his administration and the City Council, providing legal advice, research, and counsel. In addition, the City Attorney manages the City’s Legal Department and Prosecutor’s Office, with a staff of about 35 people and a $2 million budget.

Craven currently is president of Pacific Dispute Resolution and of counsel at Evans, Craven & Lackie, Lawyers. He currently is a full-time dispute resolution professional, with a focus on mediation and arbitration in commercial, real property, employment, environmental, construction, and general casualty and personal injury disputes. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law, and a certificate in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University. He was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1975.

Mayor Hession also thanked Howard Delaney for his work as interim City Attorney. Delaney took over the position following Mike Connelly’s departure from the City to take the job of City Attorney for the City of Spokane Valley.

“Howard stepped up to serve the City during a very difficult time, and he provided stability and leadership in the City’s Legal Department,” the Mayor says. “I personally want to thank him for a job well done.”

If Craven’s appointment is confirmed, Delaney would return to his previous position as City Prosecutor. Delaney joined the City of Spokane in November 1998 as Project Coordinator of the Community Restorative Justice Project. He has a wide range of experience in civil, criminal, and appellate matters.