Martinsville City Council appointed James Benkahla as the city attorney, effective Sept. 1.
The council approved Benkahla’s appointment in a 5-0 vote during its Aug. 11 meeting.
As city attorney, Benkahla will serve as the city’s chief legal officer, providing legal advice and assistance to City Council, the city manager, city departments, boards, commissions and agencies.
His duties will include advising the city on municipal law, contracts, ordinances, real estate transactions, procurement, personnel matters, economic development, litigation and compliance with state and federal laws. He also will assist with policy development, legislative matters and other legal issues affecting city operations.
Benkahla brings more than 30 years of legal experience, including nearly two decades as a county attorney for local governments in Virginia. He began his legal career through Virginia’s Law Reader Program and is a member of the Virginia State Bar.
He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Radford University. He previously served as county attorney for Augusta and Spotsylvania counties, advising county boards and departments on zoning and land use, procurement, contracts, real estate, regulatory compliance, litigation and government operations.
Under his employment agreement, Benkahla will receive an annual salary of $155,000, plus $5,000 for travel. He also will receive benefits available to eligible city employees, including health insurance, Virginia Retirement System benefits and contributions, life and disability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, paid leave and holidays.
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James Benkahla
