Assembly directs Charter Review Committee to work with KP Law attorney Lauren Goldberg as general counsel

The Barnstable County Assembly on March 5 directed its Charter Review Committee to conduct the review "in conjunction with the Cape Cod Regional Government Legal Officer, KP Law, as general counsel," specifically identifying attorney Lauren Goldberg as counsel the committee should use.

Delegate Lisa Warner moved the instruction, citing charter language and prior committee discussions; the motion was seconded and debated. Several delegates raised concerns about the appearance of conflict because KP Law also provides counsel to the Board of Regional Commissioners. Delegate Fuller said she was uncomfortable with the appearance of using attorneys from the same firm and declined to support the motion on that basis. Others, including delegates who had interviewed Goldberg, reported confidence in her independence and professionalism and said she had expressly told them she would limit her role to advising the charter committee on what the law allows and not to act as a political advocate.

Delegate Wyman Colombo and others suggested that an "ethical wall" (a formal internal separation in the law firm) could address concerns about communications inside the firm; committee members said they had discussed these issues with Goldberg during interviews. Proponents said having Goldberg — who they described as experienced in municipal charter review — would reduce delay and offer specialized legal guidance to shape charter-language options for delegates.

After discussion the assembly adopted the motion to direct the Charter Review Committee to work with KP Law’s Lauren Goldberg. The clerk recorded the motion as passed.