St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman named Jerry Hendrickson acting city attorney Wednesday while the mayor begins a search for a permanent replacement for the post.
Hendrickson, a 36-year veteran of the city, is a deputy city attorney and leads the department's civil division. He will begin his temporary duties April 19.
City Attorney John Choi announced on Tuesday that he is resigning to focus on his bid for Ramsey County attorney. His last day is April 16.
Hendrickson, 58, can be seen just about every week at City Council meetings, offering advice when asked.
In a memo to department employees and other city officials, Coleman said Tuesday that he admires Hendrickson's ability as a lawyer and called him a leader in the department.
The search for a permanent city attorney will take from several weeks to a few months.
CHRIS HAVENS
