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Magna council directs staff to begin negotiations with proposed law firm
Summary
After a presentation by Nathan Bracken of Smith Harvickson, the council voted unanimously to instruct staff to begin negotiating a contract with the firm and to consider Jay Springer (Meridian Land Council) as conflict counsel if needed; a formal contract will return to the council for approval.
Nathan Bracken introduced Smith Harvickson as a candidate team to serve as Magna’s legal counsel. He described a team approach with at least two assigned attorneys (a lead city attorney and deputy) and detailed existing work his firm performs for Westside municipalities and the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD). Bracken identified Claire Gilmore, Adam Long and Clayton Preeth as part of the team and noted continued land‑use work for Magna through the MSD.
Bracken acknowledged potential conflicts stemming from the firm’s other municipal clients and proposed that Jay Springer, who recently started Meridian Land Council, serve as conflict counsel when necessary. Council members asked about conflict scenarios and Bracken said J. Springer would be available under a separate contract at comparable rates.
After the presentation, a council member moved to instruct staff to begin negotiations with the proposed team and to allow a firm representative to participate in the closed session where needed; the motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote. Council members and staff said any final contract would be negotiated with terms and brought back to the council for formal approval on a future agenda.
