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Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Jack Gross Will Be Paid $50k If Confirmed As Allentown's New Solicitor

 Allentown Communications Manager Genesis Ortega told me yesterday that Attorney John "Jack" Gross will be paid $50,000 if confirmed on Wednesday as Allentown's new Solicitor. 

"You mean $150,000, right?"

"No, I said $50,000." 

That's a pretty good deal for a very well-established attorney whose grandfather (also named Jack) and great-grandfather (Malcolm) both served the City as Mayor. In fact, Jack's father, another Malcolm, has written a riveting piece about "Jack's Five Years" as Allentown Mayor. It's no puff piece. He criticizes his father as much as he praises him.  I came away from that realizing that elected officials should try top think 25-50 years ahead before deciding on any policy. 

Gross was a little reticent to talk about his appointment, noting that it must be confirmed by City Council.

I suspect he will be unanimously confirmed.

Matt Kloiber was a full-time Solicitor, but Gross will continue the tradition of part-time Solicitors with established reputations. He told me that his firm, and not he, is Whitehall Township's Solicitor. He advised me that in event of a conflict, that matter can be handled by a conflicts counsel.  

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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 2:26 PM

    Your flimsy journalism shows here. You make it seems as though the new solicitor is a real bargain, but how does his part-time fee compare to part-time solicitors in similarly-sized jurisdictions?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 4:22 PM

    My guess is that Allentown is getting a great bargain even if he only works 5 - 10 hours a week, the cost would be ridiculously low for qualified legal services. Plus, they might even be able to recoup some of his fees generated where there is a developers escrow account.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 28, 2023 at 9:30 AM

    You get what you pay for. This is widely known.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 28, 2023 at 12:43 PM

    I've been on the other side of the table from him on many matters over the years. If anyone doesn't think Jack Gross is a good lawyer they don't know what one looks like. He's a true professional.

    ReplyDelete

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