Clifton Heights welcomes new solicitor, Samantha Newell
There’s a new borough solicitor in Clifton Heights.
The Clifton Heights Borough Council voted unanimously to appoint Samantha Newell with the Sereni Law Group as its borough solicitor on Feb. 17. Solicitors are lawyers for municipalities who help governing bodies with all sorts of issues, including crafting new ordinances.
“I’m looking forward to working with each and every one of you,” Newell said before taking her seat at the table with the council members.
Clifton Heights will pay Newell $200 an hour for legal work and $250 an hour for litigation, said Tom Micozzie, borough manager.
The Sereni Law Group’s website notes that Newell “has always been dedicated to education.”
Before attending law school at Villanova, she obtained her bachelor’s degree and certifications in elementary and special education from Widener University.
Newell’s legal practice has been centered on special education. She also has “extensive experience representing municipal and authority clients, as well as school districts.
She’s handled employment, contract negotiations, Right-to-Know Law cases, and special education matters.
She was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2023 and 2024. The Delaware County Times named her Top Lawyer and Top Attorney in Montgomery County.
Newell also serves as president of the Delaware County Children and Youth Advisory Committee.
Newell also served as a council member for Rutledge Borough and was the chair of the Rutledge Borough Democratic Party, according to her LinkedIn profile.
The Council also voted to appoint its former solicitor, John McBlain of McNichol, Byrne and Matlawski as its special counsel. McBlain, whose salary is $275 an hour, will handle some continuing cases, said Micozzie. He’s also the solicitor for the Zoning Hearing Board and Civil Service Commission.
