09/09/1998
August 11, 1998
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Board of County Commissioners
Monroe County
Key West, Fl
RE: General Civil Litigation Counsel- Letter of Engagement
Dear Commissioners:
The law firm of Morgan & Hendrick ("Law Firm") hereby submits to the Board of County
Commissioners this letter of engagement reciting the legal services the Law Firm will perform and
the basis for compensation.
The Law Firm agrees to serve as litigation counsel to the Board of County Commissioners
of Monroe County, Florida ("BOCC") in accordance with the terms set forth herein.
The Law Firm agrees to provide legal representation to Monroe County in matters involving
potential and pending general civil litigation as may be assigned by the County Attorney, excluding
the areas of representation covered by the parties' engagement letter for Land Use-Growth
Management Division representation. The County Attorney shall be guided by the policy directive
of the Board of County Commissioners to refer to the Law Firm those matters involving significant
exposure to, or substantial recovery by the County, including claims in which the complaintant seeks
to recover substantial sums. In all matters involving personal injury liability in which the County
may be found liable, as long as the County participates in the self-insurance program of the Florida
League of Cities ("the League"), referral shall be governed by the provisions of the County's
contractual arrangements with the League.
As compensation for legal services, the County will pay to the Law Firm a fee which will
be billed monthly on the following schedule:
Partner
Associate
Law Clerk (Must have a degree)
Paralegal
$150.00 per hour
$125.00 per hour
$100.00 per hour
$ 50.00 per hour
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Board of County Commissioners
August 11, 1998
Page Two
The Law Firm may, at its own discretion, select counsel to assist them; however, said
counsel shall be compensated at the same rates set forth herein.
Unless otherwise subsequently agreed, the compensation earned by the Law Firm as fees
under this Contract shall not exceed $80,000 for the fiscal years ending September 30, 1999 and
September 30, 2000, subject to the budget for those two fiscal years, allocating sufficient funds. The
Law Firm will not bill for any services performed by James T. Hendrick while he serves as County
Attorney.
Additionally, the County agrees to reimburse the Law Firm for all costs that are incurred in
the course of representation. Normal costs include expert witness fees, copying charges, long
distance telephone calls, travel and lodging expenses, mailing charges, fax charges, mileage, research
charges, court reporters and other out-of-pocket expenses. A statement showing the amount of fees
and expenses will be forwarded monthly. Each statement is payable upon receipt.
Further, the County will reimburse the Law Firm for the acquisition oflegal informational
materials, specifically related to the legal representation of the County including the cost of seminar
fees, travel and lodging not to exceed a total of $2,500 per year.
We believe that the above provisions outline in reasonable detail our agreement as to this
representation. If you find these arrangements satisfactory, please sign the enclosed copy of this
letter and return it to us immediately.
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to represent Monroe County and look forward to
continuing a pleasant and successful relationship.
-...........'
Very truly yours,
~
Hugh . M rgan -
for the Law Firm of Morgan & Hendrick
(Seal) DANNY L. KOLHAGE, Clerk
Attest: (f?L~rA)~~
Deputy Clerk t/
OARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Monroe County
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