County Attorney Pitts going to City of Greenville

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By Stan Welch

After five years as Anderson County’s attorney, Michael Pitts will be turning the job over in order to become the lead attorney for the City of Greenville. Pitts will be turning the job over to a fellow Nexsun Pruett attorney, and one with local ties.

Leon Harmon is a Wren High School graduate and a Clemson honor grad with a degree in chemical engineering. He graduated from Emory Law School in Atlanta. In recent years, he has provided pro bono legal advice to the Pelzer Historical Association.

County Administrator Rusty Burns, who made the decision to hire Harmon, said that he anticipates a smooth transition and looks forward to working with Harmon on the various legal issues facing the county.

“Mike Pitts did a very good job for Anderson County, maintaining his professionalism and thoroughness at all times. I’m certain that the members of Council join me in wishing Mike the very best in his new position. I have no doubt that he and the City of Greenville will be an excellent fit.”

Pitts came aboard in 2009, after the incoming County Council chose to discontinue the use of the McNair Law Firm to represent the County. The County instead retained the Nexsun Pruett Law Firm to serve as the county’s main legal counsel. Pitts was soon assigned to handle the routine business of the County; while his firm initiated an investigation into the actions of the lame duck Council in awarding then county administrator Joey Preston an unprecedented severance package just weeks before his contract expired.

Pitts also served as liaison between the County Council and the various lawyers who became involved in the string of lawsuits filed against the County by Preston’s attorney, Candy Kern Fuller.