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Board approves contracting outside litigation counsel after trustee questions about fees and oversight
Summary
The board authorized a contract framework with the Mann Legal Team to provide potential litigation support; trustees discussed hourly billing, prior firms, fee examples and how expenses will be tracked.
Trustees approved establishing a contractual relationship with the Mann Legal Team to provide outside litigation support if needed, after a discussion about fees, oversight and the district’s existing legal contracts.
Superintendent Dr. Bennett said the authority would allow the district to secure outside litigators for opinions, case review or representation if litigation arises. “The purpose of this request is that as you know, we have the potential for litigation. I'm looking to be able to secure outside litigators that will help us to be able to look at the cases from a litigation perspective,” Dr. Bennett said.
Trustees asked whether the district already had contracts with other firms. Dr. Bennett confirmed existing contracts with Lozano Smith and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) and characterized the Mann Legal Team as an additional resource for second opinions or litigation support.
Board members pressed about cost and oversight. A trustee noted two Mann team members had listed hourly or project costs of $6,600 and $4,400 in the packet; Dr. Bennett said the firm is paid on an hourly basis and that having a vetted resource would allow the district to “shop things” or seek second opinions.
Trustees also asked how spending would be tracked; Dr. Bennett said expenses would depend on whether litigation moves forward and that the board would have input on any subsequent engagement and strategy. The board approved the request in a roll-call vote.
No litigation has been initiated as part of this agenda item; the contract framework establishes the district’s option to engage the firm if and when needed.
