Coulter appoints Solon Phillips as corporation counsel

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter has appointed Solon Phillips as the county’s corporation counsel. Since March 2020, Phillips, a Pontiac native and Farmington Hills resident, has served as general counsel for 36th District Court in Detroit. Prior, he was the chief legal officer for Southfield Public Schools, deputy treasurer for Wayne County, chief administrative corporation counsel for the City of Detroit Law Department, and assistant corporation counsel for Wayne County. He has also served as deputy chief of staff for the Wayne County Executive.

Coulter said Phillips, 49, brings nearly 20 years of experience in municipal law including leadership positions in local government and courts in Southeast Michigan.

“I have dedicated nearly my entire professional career to public service. I view public service as more than a job; it is my life’s calling,” said Phillips. “I relish opportunities to craft solutions for the betterment of others.”

Phillip’s appointment must be approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. His appointment is expected to be considered by the board at their next meeting on Aug. 5. He will make between $136,300 and $182,626 per year in base salary.

Since Joellen Shortley left in February, Pete Menna, the county’s deputy corporation counsel, has been filling the role as corporation counsel on an interm basis.

As corporation counsel, Phillips will provide proactive legal and policy counsel to the county exeuctive, their administration, and other county leadership while supervising an inhouse legal team of 31 employees. Phillips will also be responsible for representing the county, the county executive, the board of commissioners, the countywide elected officials, department heads and agencies of the county in all legal matters affecting the county.