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Board selects Atollis Law Firm as district counsel after narrow vote
Summary
After a competitive process and debate over timing, the Somerset School District board voted 5–1 to hire Atollis Law Firm as the district's legal counsel, with administrators citing school‑sector experience and clear communication.
The Somerset School District board voted 5–1 on June 15 to hire Atollis Law Firm to represent the district after administrators described a multi‑firm proposal process and recommended Atollis based on school‑specific experience and clear, community‑focused legal advice.
Administrators told the board they had received multiple proposals and had three finalists. In their recommendation, staff emphasized the firm’s experience in the school and public sector, an approach that incorporates community values alongside legal obligations, and a communication style that administrators said would help board members understand legal reasoning and obligations.
One board member moved to table the decision to allow more in‑room discussion; that motion failed. A subsequent motion to accept the administration’s recommendation passed on a roll‑call vote, 5–1. A dissenting member said the firm’s absence at an initial meeting caused concern about commitment; supporters pointed to the finalist interviews and the firm’s responses on independence and ethics.
Administrators said the recommendation followed unanimous support from the administrative team and that staff would proceed with contracting and onboarding steps.
