Purcellville Lawyer Resigns Amid Legal Controversies

News Summary

In a surprise announcement during a Town Council meeting, Purcellville’s Town Attorney John Cafferky has resigned after two years in the role, citing overwhelming demands and a desire to focus on family. The town’s legal expenditures have surged, prompting discussions among council members about the future of legal representation. Public reactions have varied, with many residents calling for increased transparency and reevaluation of the town’s legal strategies.

Breaking Legal News from Purcellville: Town Attorney Announces Resignation

Two-Year Tenure Comes to a Close Amidst Legal Demands

In a surprising turn of events during the Town Council meeting held on May 27, 2025, John Cafferky, the Town Attorney of Purcellville, announced his resignation after two years on the job. Cafferky expressed that serving the town had been a privilege, yet the demands of the position had significantly exceeded his initial expectations. Increased litigation work had taken its toll, affecting his schedule and personal commitments.

Cafferky intends to prioritize family, particularly spending more time with his mother and five grandchildren. He stated that he would continue in his role until an adequate replacement is found, ensuring a smooth transition for the town.

Cost Considerations: A Multi-Faceted Debate

Prior to Cafferky’s appointment, the town utilized a full-time attorney but switched to contracting with Cafferky’s firm, Blankingship and Keith, in 2023. The financial implications of this decision are substantial. Cafferky’s contract outlined billing rates of $330 per hour for himself and two authorized attorneys, with associates billed at $275 per hour, and junior associates at $190 per hour. Additional charges for mileage, tolls, and ordinary expenses further increased the financial burden.

In 2024, the legal expenses for the town reached a staggering $268,000. By May 2025, the town had already expended $153,000 in legal costs. For context, in 2022, before employing a law firm, Purcellville incurred legal fees totaling $262,000.

As the Town Council deliberates on a potential successor, Councilmember Erin Rayner suggested exploring the idea of hiring a part-time in-house attorney. This proposition sparked a vigorous debate among council members about the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining an in-house attorney compared to a contracted employee.

Internal vs. External Legal Representation

Mayor Christopher Bertaut raised crucial questions regarding the relative benefits of having in-house legal representation vis-à-vis hiring a law firm. While Cafferky pointed out the breadth of specialization available through a law firm, councilmembers Susan Khalil and Carol Luke argued for the value of accessing a firm’s diverse resources over a single in-house attorney.

Councilmember Kevin Wright emphasized that the demand for legal services could exceed 20 hours per week, indicating a necessity for a robust legal framework. Caleb Stought expressed interest in analyzing the current workload further, as the future direction of the town’s legal counsel remains uncertain.

Public Outcry: Transparency and Governance Concerns

Public reaction to Cafferky’s resignation and the council’s handling of legal matters has been mixed, with significant criticism directed at the Town Council’s decision-making process. Residents voiced their frustrations, calling for greater transparency and questioning the rationale behind escalating legal expenses.

Some citizens indicated that Cafferky’s departure could be a turning point, advocating for a reevaluation of the town’s legal counsel strategy. Concerns surrounding the overall governance of the town surfaced, particularly regarding the management of the police department and other critical issues.

In light of the unfolding developments, town staff are tasked with a thorough evaluation of the benefits and drawbacks of hiring an in-house attorney versus continuing a relationship with a law firm. This review will include consultation with the Virginia Risk Sharing Association, aiming to secure sound legal strategies moving forward.

As Purcellville navigates this transition period, the stakes are high, and the potential implications on both governance and legal expenditures will shape the community’s future. The residents of Purcellville are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as the Town Council makes these pivotal decisions in the coming weeks.