Board moves to closed session for attorney-client advice on Sam Wilson lawsuit; counsel says legal considerations should be discussed privately

The Louisa County Board voted to convene a closed session to receive attorney-client privileged advice related to the Sam Wilson lawsuit.

County attorney Adam and external counsel Holly advised the board that ongoing litigation and insurance coverage issues warranted confidential legal advice. Holly recommended a closed session so the board could receive legal counsel without waiving privilege; she said legal considerations about whether to appeal are appropriate to discuss confidentially and that political considerations could be discussed afterwards in open session. Board members debated whether the decision to appeal should be made in open session so the public could understand the rationale; counsel advised that legal strategy (which could harm the county's position if disclosed) is properly kept confidential until the board has received privileged advice.

Board members asked whether the judge's order on a prior closed session made those earlier minutes or recordings available; counsel declined to discuss substantive details in open session citing ongoing litigation. Counsel and board members also discussed insurance coverage and whether a deductible applied; counsel said she would check the coverage specifics and noted coverage arrangements changed during the case.

The board voted to enter closed session; the board directed counsel to provide privileged legal advice and to return to open session to allow public action if the board decides on appeals or other public steps after receiving counsel.