Fulton County's top lawyer resigned abruptly Wednesday after a testy exchange with county commissioners.

Gerry Clark's tenure lasted eight months.

He spoke privately to Commission Chairman John Eaves to tell him of his decision to resign before the board's break for lunch.

Clark stayed at his post through the meeting, and when the session ended about 3 p.m., he left for his office to type up an official letter of resignation.

"It's a hard job, and it was Gerry's decision," said Commissioner Bill Edwards. "I've got nothing bad to say about him."

During his brief tenure in the $180,000-a-year job, Clark carved out a reputation as someone who said what he believed, whether it was what commissioners supported or wanted to hear.

That led to repeated friction with some commissioners at meetings.

Commissioner Tom Lowe said Clark's "relationship was not what it should be" with the board.

"You hire an attorney you trust, and you listen to his advice," Lowe said. "You don't berate him."

Clark fought with commissioners Wednesday over a resolution passed two weeks ago to support handing control of Grady Memorial Hospital to a non-profit board.

Several commissioners said Wednesday there were differences between the resolution in the official record and the one they saw at the meeting. Some contended Clark was part of a deliberate attempt to mislead them.

Clark refused to back down during an hour-long discussion.

Asked later about such run-ins with commissioners, Clark said they don't "make for a good relationship with your client."

He said he did not want to talk about the resignation.

Clark's decision to quit underscores a fundamental issue for Fulton County.

Many former elected and appointed officials have decried how difficult it can be to get staff to give professional recommendations rather than what they think commissioners want to hear.

Former County Manager Tom Andrews, who retired in December after seven years, was always quick to acknowledge that pleasing seven bosses requires as much political as professional skill.

O.V. Brantley, the prior county attorney, said it's especially tricky for lawyers to juggle the political demands while giving sound legal advice.

"It's a very tough job," Brantley said. "It requires a special skill set beyond lawyering. I feel bad for him."