Clifford Mattice ends 10-year tenure to lead Queen Creek’s first in-house legal department
Attorney Resigns After Decade of Service
The Town of Florence accepted Town Attorney Clifford Mattice’s resignation during its September 2 council meeting, ending his 10-year tenure with the community. Mattice submitted his resignation to pursue a new professional opportunity as Queen Creek’s first in-house Town Attorney.
“Serving Florence over the past ten years has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Mattice wrote in his resignation letter. “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated public servants and community members.”
Mayor Keith Eaton acknowledged the loss during the meeting, stating that while they were not happy about Mattice’s departure, they were pleased for his new opportunity. The resignation becomes effective September 18, 2025.
Florence Secures Interim Legal Services
Florence has arranged temporary legal representation with Cooper & Rueter, LLP from Casa Grande to ensure continuity during the transition. The council approved a month-to-month contract beginning September 12, 2025, with a monthly retainer fee of $12,833.33 and additional services billed at $200 per hour.
Stephen Cooper, partner at Cooper & Rueter, appeared before the council to outline the firm’s services. The arrangement mirrors the services they provide for the City of Eloy, including two council meetings monthly and court proceedings with pre-trials and trials. Cooper emphasized that Florence’s Tuesday council meetings would not conflict with Eloy’s Monday schedule.
“We were approached by town staff asking to serve as basically an interim for you as the town attorney to handle matters before the council and your town magistrate court until such time as you’ve had an opportunity to screen new applicants,” Cooper explained to the council.
Council Member Nicole Buccellato noted that Cooper came highly recommended from Eloy’s mayor during a recent league conference. Vice-Mayor Cathy Adam also welcomed Cooper, recalling his previous assistance to the Pinal County Historical Museum.
Deputy Town Manager Lisa Garcia praised Mattice during the public comment period, describing him as “one of those unique people that fell in love, made the drive, and came here to make the lives better of every community member.” She characterized him as “probably the most calmest attorney I’ve ever worked with” and “a great leader, a great mentor.”
Queen Creek’s Strategic Transition
Queen Creek has decided to establish its first in-house Town Attorney’s Office after 36 years of contracted legal services with Dickinson Wright since incorporation in 1989. Mattice previously worked at Mariscal Weeks, which later became Dickinson Wright. The transition reflects the town’s continued growth and increasingly complex operations.
Under his three-year employment agreement with Queen Creek, Mattice will earn a base salary of $230,000 annually, effective October 6, 2025. The employment agreement includes standard town benefits, an automobile allowance of $225 semi-monthly, professional development support, and a deferred compensation contribution of $500 semi-monthly.
During his introduction to Queen Creek’s council, Mattice expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the town’s legal department. “It really shows a commitment to the growth of the town, and I think it’s a pivotal move,” he said. “It’s not just an organizational change, but I hope to and I plan to create a legal department that is collaborative in supporting your goals and the town’s goals.”
Ongoing Recruitment Efforts
Florence posted the Town Attorney position on August 15, 2025, with applications being accepted through the town’s Human Resources Jobs page. The posting remains open until filled, with the first application review scheduled for September 5, 2025.
Both communities will continue their respective transitions—Florence through its recruitment process and interim legal arrangements, while Queen Creek prepares to launch its new in-house legal department under Mattice’s leadership. Florence’s recruitment will determine the permanent successor to a position that has been integral to the town’s operations for over a decade.
