The city of Princeton is looking for a new lawyer.
City Attorney Grant Lowry, with Boyle & Lowry L.L.P., of Irving, sent a letter dated April 2 to Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr. saying he had withdrawn from representation of the city, effective immediately.
“It has been our pleasure to represent the city of Princeton, Texas, as its City Attorney. We have enjoyed assisting with the city’s immense growth, development and maturity,” Lowry said.
He said his withdrawal was based on Rule 1.16(b)(1), (4), and (7) of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.
According to the Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Rule 1.16 covers “Declining or Terminating Representation.”
Section (b) says “… a lawyer shall not withdraw from representing a client unless: (1) withdrawal can be accomplished without material adverse effect on the interests of the client … (4) a client insists upon pursuing an objective that the lawyer considers repugnant or imprudent or with which the lawyer has fundamental disagreement … (7) other good cause for withdrawal exists.”
When contacted by The Princeton Herald, Lowry said he had no comment other than that expressed in his letter.
In the letter, the city attorney said he was ready, willing and able to work with the mayor and city staff to ensure a smooth transition to an appointed successor.
Lowry noted that trial is scheduled June 29 for a civil lawsuit filed by Sicily Laguna Azure, LLC, against the city in 493rd Judicial District Court in McKinney.
“As part of this transition process, we will continue as lead counsel in this matter until such a time as you retain new legal counsel,” he said.
Erin Mudie, director of marketing and communications, said the City Attorney is an appointed position that serves at the direction of the City Council rather than as a city staff role.
“Consistent with long-standing practice, the city does not comment on personnel-related matters,” Mudie said. “The City Council will take the appropriate steps to ensure continuity of legal services and will provide updates to the public as decisions are made.”
The executive session agenda for the Monday, April 13, regular meeting of the council includes discussion of an interim city attorney.

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