John E. Maines IV, City Attorney
City of Lake Butler, Florida
200 SW 1st Street
Lake Butler, Florida 32054
Phone: (386) 496-3401
Hours of Operation: M-F; 8am-5pm

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City Attorney

John E. Maines IV graduated with an A.B. Degree from Vassar College in 1980 and a Doctor of Law Degree in 1983 from Emory University. He previously serviced in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, including Union County, as an Assistant Public Defender, then as an Assistant State Attorney for several years. In 1993, he went into private practice and became the attorney for several communities.

Mr. Maines became the City Attorney in Lake Butler in 1994 and has served continuously since then. He also currently represents the towns of LaCrosse and Brooker. He has been named by the Chief Circuit Judge as a conflict attorney handling criminal and dependency cases for Union, Bradford, and Baker counties.

The City Attorney follows a long line of relatives serving the Lake Butler community. His great-grandfather, John E. Maines, was recorded as the City Clerk as early as 1898. He received his M.D. in 1905, but his service continued, both as a physician and as an elected official. Dr. Maines had two sons, one of which was attorney Hal Y. Maines who served as the City Attorney for 55 years. The City Commission designated the Community Center at Lakeside Park the Hal Y. Maines Community Center as tribute to his service.

In his position as City Attorney, John E. Maines IV advises the City Commission and management. He addresses concerns, drafts or reviews ordinances and resolutions, and provides relevant legal guidance. He acts as the City’s advisor in a number of contexts.