Erik Jaikes promoted to City Solicitor

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – Assistant City Solicitor Eric Jaikes will take the senior position Sunday, February 6 when City Solicitor Mikaela McDermott steps down after a decade of service.

Jaikes has worked in municipal law since May 2001, serving former mayors Fred Kalisz, Jr. and Scott Lang, as well as Mayor Jon Mitchell.

“It has been my pleasure to provide legal advice and representation to three different administrations as an Assistant City Solicitor,” Jaikes said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve New Bedford in my new role.”

Jaikes’ tenure includes work against waste hauler ABC Disposal, operating New Bedford Regional Airport, and dredging projects in New Bedford.

“Eric has played a major role on the City’s legal team for a long time. His breadth of knowledge and legal skills will make him ready to go on day one,” Mayor Mitchell said.

“I am extraordinarily grateful to Mayor Mitchell for the opportunity to have served New Bedford as City Solicitor for the past eight years, and to Mayor Lang for first hiring me,” McDermott said. “I am also deeply thankful to my colleagues in the City Solicitor’s Office and throughout the City, who work tirelessly for the people of New Bedford. I know that Eric Jaikes will make an outstanding city solicitor, and I am committed to helping him in any way I can during this transition.”

 “The City has been most fortunate to have had Mikaela McDermott as its chief legal counsel,” Mayor Mitchell said. “Her capacity for exacting analysis, unwavering professionalism, work ethic and commitment to service enabled our City to solve the thorniest of legal challenges. She saved taxpayers countless expense, and elevated the administration’s ability to deliver for New Bedford residents.”