Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam announced today that City Law Director Morris Kizer is stepping down and returning to private practice. Mr. Kizer has served as Law Director since December, 2003 when Mayor Haslam's term began. "Quite frankly, it's going to be hard to imagine Morris not being Law Director," Mayor Haslam said. "From the moment I became Mayor I've relied on his advice and counsel. His time at the City is in the very best tradition of public service. I will always be grateful that Morris was willing to leave a very successful private practice and come to work for the city." "I have enjoyed working for the City of Knoxville but it is time for me to return to private practice," Kizer said. He will remain with the city for a number of weeks to assist in the transition to the second term. Kizer will be returning to the firm of Gentry, Tipton & McLemore.