SANDPOINT — A former state deputy attorney general replaced Will Herrington who has stepped down after seven years as counsel.

Scot R. Campbell was appointed effective May 26 after a unanimous vote by council members, with Stephen Snedden abstaining.

Campbell, a graduate of the University of Idaho School of Law, was an exploratory geologist in Oregon and Idaho before earning his law degree.

He worked as an in-house assistant general counsel at Sierra Pacific Power, a Nevada-based utility for 12 years, and as Idaho deputy attorney general for five years before accepting the job with the city.

Campbell, whose wife, Susan, is also an attorney, said the North Idaho outdoor lifestyle played a role in attracting him to Sandpoint.

His background in the field of utilities and at the Attorney General’s office, where he was assigned to the Idaho Transportation Department provides a good mix for his new role as the city’s legal counsel, he said.

“He has a lot of experience in contract law and in land law,” Mayor Gretchen Hellar said. “He is learning the ropes real fast. He has already been a lot of help to me.”

She will miss her former employee for his vast experience and knowledge, Hellar said.

“We will miss Will immensely,” she said. “For the experience he has gathered over the years, and I am going to miss him. He is a good friend.”

Herrington, who practiced law throughout Idaho in his 35-year career including stints with cities such as Pocatello and Moscow, taught law at Idaho State University and the University of Idaho.

Herrington said he does not plan to retire. Instead he will maintain a home office in Sandpoint and work part-time for the Coeur d’Alene firm of Mason and Stricklin.

“I’ll miss everyone here, but I’ll be close by,” he said.

His replacement, he said, is a good choice.

“I’m glad to see they replaced me with someone else who has gray hair,” Herrington said. “I think maturity is helpful.”