Number
221016
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Resolution authorizing payment for legal services from MWH Law Group LLP regarding the claims of Jennifer DeMaster.
Analysis
This resolution approves and authorizes the Office of the City Attorney to enter into a contract for legal services with the law firm of MWH Law Group LLP, to provide legal services and representation to the City of Milwaukee in the case entitled Jennifer DeMaster v. City of Milwaukee, EEOC charge no. 443-2022-01468, and any related state or federal court litigation subsequently filed.
Body
Whereas, On August 26, 2022, former Assistant City Attorney Jennifer DeMaster filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charge against the City of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, Section 304-23 of the Code allows the Common Council to authorize retention of a law firm outside of the City Attorney’s permanent staff, pursuant to a written agreement; and
Whereas, The Office of the City Attorney seeks outside counsel to provide legal services and representation to the City to investigate, defend, and advise the City on the Equal Rights Division complaint, and any related state or federal court litigation subsequently filed, in this matter; and
Whereas, The City desires MWH Law Group LLP to defend the City defendants in the above-referenced lawsuit; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City Milwaukee, that the Office of the City Attorney is authorized to retain outside counsel to provide legal services and representation to the City in the case entitled Jennifer DeMaster v. City of Milwaukee, EEOC charge no. 443-2022-01468; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of the City Attorney and appropriate City officers are authorized to negotiate and execute a Contract for Legal Services with MWH Law Group LLP, substantially in the form attached to this file; and, be it
Further Resolved, That an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 is appropriated from the City Attorney’s Office Outside Counsel Expert Witness Special Purpose Account Number 0001-1490-S157-06300 for retaining outside counsel; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of the City Attorney is directed to expend up to $20.000.00 from this account for this purpose
Requestor
City Attorney
Drafter
RAP
October 28, 2022