Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed names Jeremy Berry as new city attorney

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has named a new city attorney to replace Cathy Hampton, the city said Thursday.

Jeremy Berry, a partner at Dentons law firm, will assume the position of the city's top legal officer. The move follows the city's announcement Tuesday that Hampton plans to step down from her post May 19.

Reed said he has gotten to know Berry as a "talented attorney and active, dedicated member of his community” over the past decade.

“I believe he will bring his unique insight and valuable experience to this role, and will serve the people of Atlanta, the Atlanta City Council and my administration in an exemplary fashion,” Reed said in a statement.

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Berry graduated from Emory University School of Law in 2003 after serving as the assistant director of federal affairs for the university. He is active with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Jewish Family and Career Services of Greater Atlanta and Red Clay Democrats.

The party insider said he knows he has “very big shoes to fill.”

“For the past fourteen years, I have focused my career on working with governments and elected officials, and working at the intersection of law, politics, and business,” Berry said in a statement. “I am thankful to have the opportunity to serve the public, the Atlanta City Council, and of course Mayor Reed.”

The release did not say when Berry will begin the new job.

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