Foxborough interview panel hears pitch from municipal firm Mead Tallerman and Costa for town counsel role

Stephanie McGowan, chair of the Foxborough interview panel, opened the session and invited the firm Mead Tallerman and Costa to describe its qualifications to serve as the town’s counsel.

Jay Tallerman, a partner who led the presentation, said the Massachusetts-based municipal practice represents roughly 30 towns and was formed around 2004. "We thought there would maybe be a different way, maybe a better way of delivering municipal legal services," he said, describing a partner-led delivery model, multiple offices and a structure with primary and backup partner contacts.

"We try and be present for you whenever you need to without breaking the bank," Tallerman said, explaining that the firm offers options including regular on-site or virtual "office hours," seminar support and flat-fee proposals that can include litigation coverage.

Lisa Mead, identified in the presentation as a partner, said the firm aims to "put the word counsel back into town counsel" by advising boards and department heads about risks and benefits up front. She cited long-term work in Ashland as an example of advising on multi-year projects, contract negotiation and town meeting needs.

The firm described several specialties it said would be relevant to Foxborough: land use and zoning, municipal real estate, labor and employment (led by partner Kate Federoff), liquor licensing under chapter 138 and litigation support. On zoning and the MBTA Communities Act, the presenters recommended tailoring proposed districts to local goals and noted that Foxborough had previously declined MBTA zoning at town meeting; Tallerman said firms often work with planning staff and, when needed, consult the attorney general’s office on structure and approvability.

Panelists asked about the firm’s approach to day-to-day municipal practice. Tallerman said a lead partner (he identified himself) would be supported by two immediate backups and by partner specialists for high-stakes contracting and real-estate matters. Mead described standardized contract templates the firm uses to accelerate procurement reviews, which the presenters said can reduce review time when the town accepts standard language.

On billing, the presenters recommended options based on town preference. They said flat-fee arrangements give towns predictable monthly budgeting and can encourage earlier contact with counsel—reducing downstream litigation. "Sometimes you say, I wanna fight this one… and if litigation is included, then you don't have to worry about the other side of it," Tallerman said.

The firm also described recent municipal work advising towns about hotel-based migrant housing placements and the strain such placements can put on local infrastructure and schools; they said the state plays a major role in those placements and funding. Asked about conflicts with major local employers such as the Kraft Group and Mass General, the presenters said they had no current conflicts with those entities.

The panel closed with administrative remarks about the process and next steps. The chair said the panel will deliberate at its next meeting and pick a new town counsel. The meeting adjourned after a motion and an affirmative voice vote.

Next step: the interview panel is scheduled to deliberate and make a recommendation on appointment at its forthcoming meeting.