Explanation
BACKGROUND: The City has been exploring the various legal options that may be available to help deal with the tremendous human devastation, drain on public resources, and financial burden on City taxpayers caused by the opioid epidemic. The City Attorney’s office is in need of special legal counsel to assist in pursing those legal options, including but not limited to possible litigation against those entities bearing responsibility for this epidemic. After consideration of the informal proposals from several law firms, the City Attorney has selected the law firm of Carpenter Lipps & Leland LLP to serve as special legal counsel for this matter.
FISCAL IMPACT: While there is no cost to the City as a result of this contract, City Council approval is being sought due to the legally binding commitment being made therein to pay attorney fees and reimburse for reasonable litigation expenses solely on a contingency basis from any recovery related to the portion of any matter resolved in favor of the City.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney to enter into contract with Carpenter Lipps & Leland LLP for special legal counsel services regarding opioid-related matters; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has a need for special legal services with regard to opioid-related matters affecting the City; and
WHEREAS, after consideration of informal proposals from several law firms capable of providing the services needed the City Attorney has selected the law firm of Carpenter Lipps & Leland LLP to serve as special legal counsel for these matters; and
WHEREAS, while there is no cost to the City as a result of this contract, City Council approval is being sought due to the legally binding commitment being made in the special legal counsel contract to pay attorney fees and reimburse for reasonable litigation expenses solely on a contingency basis from any recovery related to the portion of any matter resolved in favor of...
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