Yuma city attorney leads international lawyers group

City of Yuma Attorney Steven W. Moore has begun his presidency of the leading international organization serving municipal lawyers.

After a year as president-elect, Moore has become president of the International Municipal Lawyers Association. He is the first person from Yuma and only the second from Arizona to serve in that capacity in the organization's 77-year history.

IMLA is the oldest and largest association of attorneys representing local governments. The internationally recognized organization helps local government lawyers with litigation and development of local laws. IMLA works closely with a variety of organizations, including the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the International City Managers Association.

One of Moore's goals as president of IMLA is to amend its bylaws to increase international representation in the organization, specifically allowing for more participation from Canada.

Moore is one of several municipal employees from across the state to hold a prominent position with a major professional association this year. He noted that Mesa Mayor Scott Smith will be president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and Avondale Mayor Maria Lopez Rogers is president of the National League of Cities.

“Together, we are showcasing the leadership in the great state of Arizona,” Moore said. “I appreciate the trust my colleagues have placed in me as the new president and look forward to working with the board and members across North America to make the most of this opportunity.”

An Arizona native, his legal career has spanned several decades. He served as the Arizona state chairman for the IMLA from 1993 to 2000 and has remained deeply involved in the organization, most recently serving as treasurer. In addition, he is a past president of the Yuma County Bar Association and twice president of the Arizona City Attorneys Association.

Moore's new position with IMLA will not affect his status as city attorney because IMLA is a professional group.

His term puts Yuma squarely among larger metropolitan areas, as other IMLA executive board members for 2012-2013 include:

• President-elect: Sheryl King Benford, general counsel for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.

• Past president: Jay Doegey, city attorney for Arlington, Texas.

• Treasurer: G. Foster Mills, managing city attorney for New York City.

The IMLA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional organization that has been an advocate and resource for local government attorneys since 1935. It serves as an international clearinghouse of legal information and cooperation on municipal legal matters.