Roanoke Appoints Laura Carini as New City Attorney

Carini will replace longtime city attorney Timothy Spencer, who is retiring after 22 years of service.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Roanoke has appointed Laura M. Carini as its next city attorney, effective March 1. Carini has worked in the Roanoke city attorney's office since 2012 and has served as deputy city attorney since 2024. She will replace longtime city attorney Timothy Spencer, who is retiring after 22 years with the city.

Why it matters

The city attorney is a critical role that provides legal counsel and strategic advice to the city government. Carini's appointment comes at an important time as Roanoke continues to experience growth and development, and her expertise will be crucial in navigating legal issues and positioning the city for ongoing progress.

The details

Carini is a graduate of the University of Virginia and William and Mary Law School. Prior to joining the Roanoke city attorney's office, she worked as a legal intern for the City of Norfolk and as a summer associate at Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein. Spencer, the outgoing city attorney, previously served in the same role for the City of Danville before moving to Roanoke 22 years ago.

  • Carini will take office as Roanoke's new city attorney on March 1, 2026.
  • Timothy Spencer is retiring after 22 years of service with the City of Roanoke, including 6 years as the city's chief legal counsel.

The players

Laura M. Carini

Carini has worked in the Roanoke city attorney's office since 2012 and has served as deputy city attorney since 2024. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and William and Mary Law School.

Timothy Spencer

Spencer is the outgoing city attorney for the City of Roanoke, a position he has held for the past 22 years. He previously served as city attorney in Danville before making the move to Roanoke.

Joseph Cobb

Cobb is the mayor of Roanoke and praised Carini's strategic advice and comprehensive, forward-thinking legal counsel in a statement announcing her appointment.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Laura has consistently provided us with strategic advice and delivered comprehensive, forward-thinking legal counsel. She will position the Star City as a conduit for ongoing growth in her new role.”

— Joseph Cobb, Mayor of Roanoke

What’s next

Carini will officially take office as Roanoke's new city attorney on March 1, 2026, replacing the retiring Timothy Spencer.

The takeaway

Carini's appointment as Roanoke's new city attorney comes at a critical time for the city, as it continues to experience growth and development. Her expertise and strategic legal counsel will be crucial in guiding Roanoke through ongoing challenges and positioning the city for future success.