TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with the firm of Alderman & Hilgers, LLP for legal services.
DISCUSSION
In February of 2014, the City Attorney selected the law firm of Alderman and Hilgers, LLP to provide certain legal services for the City on various litigated matters. Alderman and Hilgers was selected based upon their experience and favorable rates. Since February of 2014, they have provided assistance on over 20 cases. Alderman and Hilgers provides valuable assistance with complicated dispositive motions, resulting in the early dismissal of a number of matters. The firm also assists with defending and taking depositions. This assistance has been necessary due to various factors, including the volume of cases being defended by this office, the labor intensive nature of certain cases, particularly cases involving claims of employment discrimination, and scheduling conflicts where we do not have Deputy's available. Their assistance has been very cost effective, and has resulted in a number of favorable results.
This request seeks City Council authority to authorize an amount not to exceed $200,000, in order that they may continue to provide legal services in litigation matters as directed by the City Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Insurance Fund. No impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CHARLES PARKIN
CITY ATTORNEY