The city has announced William E. Hutchings Jr. will be promoted to the position of deputy city attorney to fill the vacant post.

Hutchings has been with the city since 2006 and served as an assistant city attorney. He replaces Helivi Holland, who took an appointment in the state Department of Juvenile Justice in May.

Hutchings holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and a Juris Doctor degree from the George Washington University Law School. Before coming to Suffolk, he practiced with the firm of Saunders and Schmieler in Silver Springs, Md., representing clients in the courts of Virginia and the District of Columbia.

He begins his new job Wednesday. City Council must confirm the appointment, which is on the agenda for Wednesday night’s meeting.

“William’s outstanding work in Suffolk the last four years distinguished him among a number of highly qualified candidates as the ideal person to take on these new responsibilities,” said City Attorney Edward Roettger. “William is a respected member of the city staff and the community. He will continue to impress me and others with his service to Suffolk in this new role.”

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Council Chambers, 441 Market St., on Oct. 22 at 3 p.m. Hutchings, his wife and their two daughters live in Suffolk.

The city attorney is the chief legal advisor of the City Council, the city manager, and all department directors, commissions and agencies of the city in all matters that affect the interest of the city. He also currently serves as the chief legal counsel to the Suffolk Economic Development Authority.