To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Counsel
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement for Legal Services with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP (4/5 Vote Required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached legal services agreement with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP for the provision of legal assistance with construction-related issues on an as-needed basis; and direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed original copy of the attached legal services agreement with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP to the County Counsel’s Office for further processing.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Liability Fund
DISCUSSION:
From time to time, complex legal issues pertaining to the County of Humboldt’s large construction projects arise. This is a specialized area of the law in which County Counsel occasionally needs assistance. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 25203, the Board of Supervisors has authority to employ outside counsel to assist the County Counsel. Accordingly, County Counsel recommends that the Board approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached legal services agreement with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP regarding the provision of legal assistance with construction-related issues on an as-needed basis.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Any and all legal assistance provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of the attached legal services agreement with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP shall be compensated at various hourly rates ranging from Two Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars ($235.00) per hour to Three Hundred Sixty Dollars ($360.00) per hour. Approval of the attached legal services agreement with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by enforcing laws and regulations to protect the residents of Humboldt County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve the attached legal services agreement with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP regarding the provision of legal assistance with construction-related issues on an as-needed basis. However, this alternative is not recommended because it could interrupt County Counsel’s efforts to provide time-sensitive advice and guidance from attorneys with expertise pertaining to construction-related legal matters which may lead to project delays that would greatly increase costs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Agreement for Legal Services with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A