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Board authorizes final payment to outside counsel for election litigation work
Summary
Maricopa County approved payment to outside counsel for work tied to election‑related challenges arising from the 2022 elections. County attorneys said the work supported multiple related cases and the payment covered invoices that extended past initial preapproval levels.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on May 7 approved a $27,518 payment to outside counsel to complete services related to election‑related challenges filed after the 2022 election cycle.
County Attorney office staff told the board that the office hired outside counsel to assist in expedited election challenges related to a statewide contest that named Maricopa County as a defendant among others. The firm referenced in the presentation was identified in the record as “Stellan Womer” with attorneys including Eric Spencer; county staff said the outside team handled multiple related matters and that invoices exceeded prior preapproval thresholds.
Bill Liddy of the county attorney’s office explained the work began in late 2022 and continued through 2023 as copycat cases and appeals were filed in multiple jurisdictions. The additional $27,518 requested was to authorize payment for invoices tied to work performed in that accelerated calendar.
Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee and others thanked county attorneys and outside counsel for the work. Several supervisors said they want more detailed billing information on outside counsel invoices in future similar matters; the vice chair asked the county attorney’s office to provide additional detail on other outside counsel engagements and to coordinate better reporting to the board.
The board approved the payment unanimously.
Notes: County attorney’s office said the payment relates to election‑challenge matters dating to the 2022 elections, with work performed primarily in 2023. Supervisors requested more detailed reporting on outside counsel use and billing practices for similar matters going forward.
