09/17/1997
.."....
,........
~)
-.
,
, ,
-~
September 01, 1997
!
C)
Board of County Commissioners
Monroe County
Key West, FL
-. ._~
. '
j"-
.....,l
\-
~
, '
(.'1
L.)
RE: General Civil Litigation Counsel - Letter of Engagement
Dear Commissioners:
The law firm of Morgan & Brookes ("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 law degree)
Paralegal
$150.00 per hour
$125.00 per hour
$100.00 per hour
$ 50.00 per hour
Board of County Commissioners
September 01, 1997
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 year 1997-1998, subject to
the budget for that fiscal year, allocating sufficient funds.
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 of legal
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.
The Law Firm will not bill for any services performed by James T. Hendrick, nor
will James T. Hendrick receive any compensation from the Law Firm for legal services the
Law Firm renders to the County.
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 to us immediately.
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to represent Monroe County and look forward
to continuing a pleasant and successful relationship.
cOr. ~,
~..,'IL\'..---d'.' :,
~;v.:;~"~~,,
~ 't},.,.
~r_F.\?/:f ~
ol~ \\);~, '
~\'f~~, ,\ '\
~/'Y' . \
.' \
..." ;.,,,lfI'..
'..t- ~_,~.
Very truly yours,
'~~~
Hugh J. Mo gan
for the Law Firm of Morgan & Brookes
ACKNOWLEDGED, UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED
(Seal) DANNY L. ~GP' Clerk
Attest:~C. ~
Deputy Clerk
BY .
ROBERT N. \','.. ~
DATE <6'- 7 - :J