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Board discusses options to replace county attorney; Pointer, Spruill offered candidates for closed‑session interviews
Summary
With current county attorney transitioning, staff presented four options: keep Pointer, Spruill (firm), run an RFP, hire in‑house counsel, or pursue a hybrid model. Pointer, Spruill offered two candidates (Evan Lee, Emily Meeker) for closed‑session interviews and commissioners generally favored exploring the firm’s recommended candidates as a first step.
County Manager Bridal Thompson briefed the board on options for selecting a new County Attorney after Bob Hageman of Pointer, Spruill signaled a transition from day‑to‑day service. Staff outlined four paths: (1) continue with Pointer, Spruill and designate an attorney from their bench; (2) go to market with an RFP; (3) hire a full‑time in‑house counsel; or (4) a hybrid model combining a staff attorney with external retainer counsel.
Bob Hageman (Pointer, Spruill) told the board the engagement letter’s language is nuanced but that the firm can propose options and that senior associate Evan Lee and partner Emily Meeker would be available for closed‑session interviews. Commissioners discussed priorities — technical expertise in land use and local government law, bench depth, interpersonal fit with the board, and cost considerations. Several commissioners favored starting with Pointer, Spruill candidates and conducting closed‑session interviews on Nov. 17, with an RFP as a fallback if the firm does not provide a suitable fit.
