Commissioners table motion on restricting outside counsel after concerns; item returned to next meeting

Commissioners introduced a motion to restrict attorney Shaw Friedman from performing legal services for LaPorte County unless a majority of the board explicitly authorizes such representation at a duly noticed public meeting. The motion followed reports of emails and phone calls in which Friedman was described by motion proponents as appearing to act on behalf of board interests or threatening legal action related to public criticism.

Discussion and procedural concerns: several commissioners said the matter involved legal detail and that the county’s official attorney, Joseph DiMartino, should be present for a full review. One commissioner suggested broadening the proposed restriction to require any outside attorney to be approved in advance by the board. Commissioners indicated they had email evidence and other materials that merited discussion but also raised concerns about handling legal issues in open session versus executive session.

Board action: rather than vote on the proposed restriction immediately, the board voted to table the item to the next meeting so County Attorney DiMartino could participate and members could review the documentation. The motion to table passed by voice vote.

Next steps: county staff will arrange for County Attorney DiMartino to be present at the next meeting to provide legal advice; commissioners said they would provide the relevant emails and call records to the county attorney and discuss potential policy language for authorizing outside counsel.