July 25, 2013 –Springfield, MA- Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced today that City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula was recently elected President of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc. (MMLA), formerly the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association (CSTCA), by MMLA members, to serve for the upcoming year.
MMLA is the oldest and largest bar association in the Commonwealth dedicated to the practice of municipal law. The members of MMLA consist of attorneys whose practice includes providing legal services to cities and towns or who otherwise devote a substantial portion of their practice to the advancement of municipal law.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated; “City Solicitor Ed Pikula is a consummate professional who carries a common man’s touch. He is as passionate about the law as he is about the City of Springfield and is a valued and trusted member of my Administration. I would like to extend congratulations and best wishes to Solicitor Ed Pikula on his election as President of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association; I know from my experience of working with him that the MMLA will thrive under his leadership”.
Pikula said he was “humbled and honored” to begin his tenure as the next President of the esteemed organization. “I am excited about the opportunity to work on the task of expanding our organization’s rich heritage.” Among the activities of MMLA are: monthly meetings around the state with educational programs on municipal legal issues; publication of a newsletter, website and members’ listserv; submission of amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs; and liaison activities on matters of municipal law.
Pikula has served as the Springfield City Solicitor since 2006 and previously served as Chief of Litigation for the City from 2001 to 2005 and Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Springfield from 1983 – 1996 and from 1998 - 2000. Attorney Pikula maintains a private practice with his daughter, Attorney Christine Pikula, and has substantial experience in all state and federal trial and appellate courts as well as administrative agencies in complex legal matters involving civil rights, voting rights, employment rights, environmental rights, land use and accident litigation.
Throughout his career, Mr. Pikula has been actively involved in various municipal lawyer organizations, including Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association Public Law Section and Executive Committee of the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association. He has lectured on legal issues before professional and government groups and has taught as an adjunct faculty at local Colleges and Universities. He has been published in the Massachusetts Law Review and other legal periodicals and is one of the few lawyers in Western Massachusetts who has argued before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Attorney Pikula is a graduate of Classical High School, UMass, Amherst, and the Western New England School of Law. He lives in Springfield with his wife Joanne, and their adult children, Attorney Christine, Andrew and Catherine Pikula.
