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Council votes 4–1 to retain Weiss Serota team for active code-enforcement litigation
Summary
Facing a code-enforcement case nearing mediation and insurance limits, the council authorized retention of Weiss Serota Heathman Cole & Berman for continuity in defense; the motion passed 4–1.
The Lantana Town Council voted April 27 to hire Weiss Serota Heathman Cole & Berman to represent the town in an active code-enforcement litigation matter that is preparing for mediation. Staff said the case has been defended through the town’s insurance counsel but is approaching the limits of coverage, after which the town would assume defense costs.
Attorney Kaplan explained the recommendation: retaining the same external team provides continuity, preserves institutional knowledge of discovery and strategy, and avoids delays or duplicate effort that a new counsel would face. Kaplan said the firm’s familiarity with the factual and procedural history makes it the pragmatic choice as coverage limits approach. “Continuing with the current counsel helps preserve consistency in our defense,” Kaplan said.
Council members probed alternatives, conflicts and the town’s exposure. Town counsel and staff outlined that one defendant’s actions raised potential conflicts requiring separate representation in one matter; retaining Weiss Serota would allow the town to proceed without disruption. The motion to approve retention and authorize the town manager to execute the engagement letter passed 4–1; the meeting record shows one dissenting vote.
