Brookings council hears presentations from two law firms to replace retiring city attorney

Brookings City Council on a regularly scheduled meeting heard hourlong presentations and question-and-answer sessions from two finalist law firms seeking the city attorney contract: Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith (represented by Vince Jones and Susan Rasmussen) and Cutler Law Firm (represented by Nate Shane, Eric Erickson and Meredith Moore). The council, which is replacing long‑time contracted city attorney Steve Britzman, will consider a recommendation and expects to take final action at its April 22 meeting.

The presentations mattered because the city’s contracted attorney advises elected officials and staff on local ordinances, code enforcement, land use, permitting and emergency legal issues. Councilors used the interviews to evaluate firms’ municipal experience, proposed billing structures, conflict‑of‑interest safeguards and how the firms would support day‑to‑day council and court work.

Woods Fuller emphasized a “deep bench” and a team model led by Vince Jones. Jones said the firm would name him as the primary city attorney but bring specialists as needed, including litigation, construction contract drafting and ordinance work. He told the council that the firm does not require a monthly retainer and charges hourly, offers paralegal work at lower rates, bills in tenth‑hour…