Fountain Hills council selects Lesota firm to negotiate town‑attorney contract amid split vote
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Summary
After interviews and debate, council voted 5–2 to direct the town manager to negotiate a contract with the Lesota firm and Jen Wright to serve as town attorney; the choice drew objections from some members who preferred a large regional firm.
The Fountain Hills Town Council voted 5–2 to direct the town manager to negotiate a contract with the Lesota law firm (Tim Lesota) and associate Jen Wright to serve as the town attorney, after a contentious discussion about procurement history and candidate qualifications.
Why it matters: The town attorney is the council’s primary legal advisor and represents the town in litigation and transactional matters. Council members split over whether to hire a smaller, litigation‑experienced firm with local ties or a large regional firm with deeper bench strength.
What happened
Councilmember Skillegorn moved to negotiate a contract with the Lesota firm and Jen Wright; a second was recorded and the council held discussion. The motion carried 5–2.
Council debate
Councilmember McMahon opposed the Lesota selection and recommended hiring Dickinson Wright, a large regional firm, saying Dickinson Wright offered “the depth of staff to handle a city of this size” and that the firm’s larger bench and national practice would provide broader capabilities. McMahon also referenced media coverage and prior billing disputes involving the town’s former attorney and urged a firm with no entanglements in local politics.
Vice Mayor Larabee and Councilmember Watts supported the Lesota firm. Larabee said she was “genuinely impressed” by the Lesota team and valued the personalized service a smaller firm can provide; Watts said the town needs counsel who will “stop having the fires and having the pot stirred incessantly,” adding that a litigation‑experienced firm appealed to him.
Outcome and next steps
The council directed the town manager to negotiate and execute a contract with the Lesota firm and Jen Wright. The vote was 5 in favor and 2 opposed. Staff will return with the finalized contract and fee structure for council review as required by town procurement and contract rules.
Ending
Councilmembers who opposed the decision said they would monitor for conflicts and insisted on a clear contract and procurement record; supporters said the firm’s litigation experience and small‑firm responsiveness are strengths.
