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Sarasota firefighters pension trustees unanimously move to engage Klausner, Kaufman after fee and responsiveness reviews
Summary
After hearing proposals from Sugarman Susskind, Jones Walker and Klausner/Kaufman, the trustees voted unanimously to terminate the incumbent firm and seek engagement with Klausner, Kaufman, Jensen & Levinson, citing responsiveness, continuity across city plans and comparative costs.
The Sarasota Firefighters' Pension Plan Board of Trustees voted unanimously on April 22 to seek engagement with the law firm Klausner, Kaufman, Jensen & Levinson and to terminate its current long‑standing counsel, Sugarman Susskind.
The decision followed presentations from three firms invited to discuss legal services and fees. A Sugarman Susskind representative reviewed the firm's decades of work for the plan, emphasized continuity and availability and offered a temporary fee reduction of 25% for at least two years during any transition. Pedro (Jones Walker) outlined his experience in Florida public pensions, proposed a $2,000 monthly retainer (with travel expenses billed separately) and described backup staffing to ensure in‑person attendance at meetings. Stu Kaufman (Klausner) said his eight‑attorney firm focuses solely on municipal pension funds, proposed partner hourly billing at $500 with lower associate rates and offered a capped meeting expense policy (about $250) and approaches intended to minimize total costs by leveraging the firm’s broader bench and prior template work.
Trustees discussed three practical considerations: (1) responsiveness and timeliness of answers to staff requests, (2) the potential administrative benefit of having the same counsel across the city’s three pension plans, which can streamline interlocal documentation and reduce conflicting legal interpretations, and (3) fee structure and travel‑splitting arrangements that could lower net cost to the firefighter plan. Staff and trustees also noted operational details such as the separate accounting for disability work and the historical role of the incumbent firm.
After the discussion, a motion to terminate Sugarman Susskind and to seek engagement with Klausner, Kaufman, Jensen & Levinson was moved and seconded. The roll‑call vote recorded Chair Hartley, Vice Chair Joseph, Secretary Treasurer Greggs, Trustee Snow and Trustee Mushrush voting yes; the board announced the decision was unanimous.
Trustees asked staff to coordinate the practical steps for transition, including contract termination logistics and timing in accordance with the incumbent contract’s termination provisions. The board expressed appreciation for Sugarman Susskind’s long service and asked staff to work with both firms to ensure an orderly handoff.
