Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2024-170, approving an engagement letter with Wyatt Hamilton Findlay, PLLC, to serve as City Attorney, providing for termination of the City's current engagement letter with Nichols, Jackson, Dillard, Hagar and Smith, LLP; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Mayor Pro Tem Omar Roman
BACKGROUND:
During the March 5, 2024, Study Session, Mayor Pro Tem Roman requested to bring forward legal services soliciting for discussion. Following this, multiple discussions were held to review and discuss the legal and prosecutorial services. As a result, on May 3, 2024, the City of Farmers Branch issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) requesting proposals from qualified law firms to provide legal services to the City.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council and staff reviewed the proposals and interviewed the prospective law firms qualified to serve as the City's legal counsel. The Council also reviewed the existing legal counsel.
Resolution No. 2024-170 proposes engaging Wyatt, Hamilton, and Findlay, PLLC (WFH), as its legal counsel and authorizing the City Manager to execute an engagement letter with WHF, PLLC. It further terminates the City's current engagement letter with Nichols, Jackson, Dillard, Hager & Smith, LLP (NJDHS), effective September 30, 2024. It also authorizes the City Manager to negotiate and work with the existing legal counsel to provide for the City's legal services transition in the interim.
A representative from Wyatt, Hamilton, and Findlay, PLLC (WFH) will be present to answer any questions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fee schedule is attached as part of the Engagement Letter.
DISTRICT:
NA
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2024-170, as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2024-170, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2024-170
2. Exhibit A - Engagement Letter for City Attorney with Wyatt, Fi...
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