Town attorney Richard Bowen is leaving law firm Blatman, Bobrowski & Mead, but he is hoping to continue his work in the Town of Wareham.

Bowen told the Selectmen on Monday that he has been spending more time in town than is contractually required of him, and hasn't been fair to the firm.

"I enjoy working for you. The problems that you pose are unique, complex, and sometimes numerous... but nonetheless, very interesting," he said. "I've been very unfair to my colleagues and partners at Blatman, Bobrowski & Mead."

His last day with the firm is October 23, but Bowen said he would like to continue his work in Wareham.

"My proposal is this: I will honor [the] contract that is in place with you and hold the prices," Bowen explained, adding that some of the lawyers at the firm would still be involved in some of the town's business, especially in land-use issues.

He noted that the arrangement between him and the firm is "not unfriendly."

"I'd be honored to maintain a relationship with you, but again, it is entirely your choice," he told the Selectmen.

How much the town pays Blatman, Brobowski & Mead could not immediately be confirmed.

Noting that they appreciate Bowen's work in the community, the Selectmen said they wanted to review the contract with the firm to ensure the town is getting the most for its money and determine whether the board can appoint Bowen to finish the term of the contract, among other things.

The current contract ends in March, 2013. The Selectmen are charged with appointing the town's legal representation each year in March.

"I don't think you can put a price on Attorney Bowen. He's priceless," said Selectman Cara Winslow. "But I think we have to do our due diligence."

The Selectmen were also concerned about changing the legal representation in the middle of a such a busy time for the town. Town Meeting begins on October 22.

Bowen has worked for the town in some capacity for approximately 24 years. He has served as lead counsel in town most recently with Blatman, Bobrowski & Mead, but also for the town's previous, longtime law firm, Kopelman and Paige.

Bowen's knowledge of the town was one of the reasons Selectmen chose Blatman, Bobrowski & Mead to provide legal services to the town in 2011. Bowen had left Kopelman and Paige to join Blatman, Bobrowski & Mead.