02/15/1994
LAW OF"F"ICES
MORGAN B: HENDRICK
HUGH ,J. MORGAN
,JAMES T. HENDRICK
317 WHITEHEAD STREET
KEY WEST. FLORIDA
RICHARD M. KLlTNICK
RALF G. BROOKES
February 11, 1994
w. CURR'ftI1ARRIS
\.CS ()907~gee)
~ '
HILARY LJ.:""'QBURY
..-.....,
~ (RETIREO)
~LEEN A-:~~RANT
~ .::.
OF COUNSEL
Board of County Commissioners
Monroe County
Key West, Florida
")
'-0
~.....)
--'
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 C'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 complainant 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 (lithe League"), referral shall be
governed by the provisions of the County's contractual arrangements with the League. The Law
Firm shall attend periodic County Attorney staff meetings and shall attend BOCC meetings to
advise the BOCC when legal matters of considerable public importance are expected to be
addressed.
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.oo/hour
$ 125.oo/hour
$100. DO/hour
$ 50. DO/hour
The Law Firm may, in its own discretion, select counsel to assist them; however, said
counsel shall be compensated at the same rates set forth herein.
P. o. Box 1117, KEY WEST, FL 33041 · TELEPHONE (305) 296.5676 . TELECOPIER (305) 296-4331
Board of County Commissioners
January 24, 1994
Page 2
Unless otherwise subsequently agreed, the compensation earned by the Law Firm as fees
under this Contract shall not exceed $200,000.00 for the fiscal year 1993-1994.
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, 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 $2,500.00 per year.
The obligation herein is subject to availability of funds.
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.
Very truly yours,
i::rI ~ ~1Ik-
Hu J. Morgan or the law firm of
Morgan & Hendrick
ACKNOWLEDGED, UNDERSTOOD AND AG
D this 1~~, 1994.
ARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
onroe County
(Seal) DANNY 1,. ~OLHAGE, Clerk
Attest:
BY:~ C. !J.v~
Deputy Clerk /
A '",rQY's OffiCfIJ