Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl yesterday nominated Daniel D. Regan, a former assistant Allegheny County district attorney, to become the next city solicitor.

Mr. Regan will replace the city's current top attorney, George Specter, who is switching from that position to serve as general counsel to the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Citing Mr. Regan's experience in the county's district attorney office, Mr. Ravenstahl said that Mr. Regan, "has taken charge and showed great leadership in heading up big cases that ultimately resulted in a better future for many of our neighborhoods."

"He will fight for what's right, be tough on the bad guys, and get the job done. He will be a great addition to the team and his appointment is the right choice for our city," said Mr. Ravenstahl.

Mr. Regan, 34, currently a partner with the Pittsburgh law firm Caputo & Caputo, is a city native who grew up on the North Side. He is one of the six children of the late Pittsburgh sports promoter and North Side personality Bernard "Baldy" Regan, who served on City Council from 1990 to 1992 after a long stint as a district judge.

Mr. Regan, whose salary will be $99,381, graduated from New York University before receiving his law degree from Yeshiva University's Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

City Council is tentatively scheduled to interview Mr. Regan on Wednesday and vote on his appointment on Nov. 23.

Meanwhile, Mr. Specter, who has submitted his resignation, will begin work with the redevelopment authority upon confirmation of Mr. Regan by City Council.

He replaces Don Kortlandt, who served as the URA's general counsel from January 2006 to December 2008. Mr. Specter's salary will be $109,946.

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