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Board extends search for outside counsel in misconduct proceedings; no applicants yet
Summary
The Board of Supervisors continued for two weeks its solicitation for outside legal counsel to represent the board in official misconduct proceedings after reporting that no firms had applied; supervisors said they had contacted law firms and would seek assistance from state and bar organizations.
The Board of Supervisors, sitting as a Committee of the Whole, heard on Nov. 6 that no applicants had responded to a request for proposals to provide outside counsel for official misconduct proceedings against a supervisor. Supervisors continued the item for two weeks and directed additional outreach.
Supervisor Sandoval moved to extend the RFP response period for two weeks, saying he had personally called about a dozen law firms and found significant reluctance to take the work. He said the board would reach out to the California Attorney General, the League of California Cities and the San Francisco Bar Association seeking assistance. Supervisor Ellsberg seconded the motion.
Supervisor Alioto Pier and others described additional outreach efforts and contacts with Alameda—s city attorney—s office as potential sources of assistance. Supervisor Sandoval noted he had a letter of inquiry to send to the Attorney General and those organizations and asked colleagues to use their personal relationships to encourage law firms to bid.
The board voted to continue the item for two weeks (7 ayes, 4 noes). No applicants were on file when the board met.
Why it matters: The board needs outside counsel to advise and represent it in potentially sensitive official misconduct proceedings; the lack of applicants could delay the board—s ability to move forward on timelines tied to the Ethics Commission—s referrals.
Next steps: The board will continue solicitation and outreach and reconvene the matter at the next meeting in two weeks.
