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Board ends Common Law Group contract, names Dickinson Wright interim corporate counsel
Summary
After debate, commissioners voted to terminate the county’s agreement with Common Law Group and to retain Dickinson Wright (Ron Bolchi) as interim corporate counsel; the moves drew both praise and criticism from commissioners and public commenters.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to end the county’s legal services agreement with the Common Law Group and to retain Dickinson Wright — with attorney Ron Bolchi as interim corporate counsel — while the county conducts a longer search for a permanent corporate counsel.
Why it mattered: Commissioners and public commenters debated the legal work provided by the Common Law Group, praising some past work while criticizing other aspects of the relationship. Several commissioners said they valued established institutional knowledge; others said the board should choose counsel aligned with the new majority’s priorities.
Termination vote: The board approved an agreement terminating legal services with the Common Law Group effective Feb. 21. Commissioners discussed prepaid fees, expected invoice amounts for January and February, and the transition value of retained hours; staff reported there was a prepayment balance and estimated services remaining for a transition. The termination motion passed on roll call.
Interim counsel appointment: The board then voted to retain Dickinson Wright as interim county corporate counsel and to appoint Ron Bolchi as lead counsel for interim corporate legal services pending a permanent hire. Commissioners said Bolchi has municipal experience and would serve on an interim basis; Bolchi stated he would not be a candidate for the permanent position. Questions were raised about potential conflicts because Dickinson Wright currently represents some municipal clients in the county; Bolchi said his office will follow standard ethical conflict rules and decline representation in adversarial matters where necessary.
Process and next steps: Commissioners asked county staff to post and run a job process to hire a permanent corporate counsel. Staff said a posting would be published and that the interim arrangement is intended to give the county legal coverage while a selection process proceeds. Several commissioners asked that Dickinson Wright engage collaboratively with existing in‑county counsel for continuity when appropriate.
Ending: The board’s votes change the immediate legal representation for the county and set a process to recruit a permanent corporate counsel; commissioners said they expect a return to the board with a recommended candidate after a search.
