Agenda Item Name:
Title
Wavier of Potential Conflict of Interest - GrayRobinson
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Presenter:
Sylvia Torres, County Attorney
Description:
Conflict Waiver to allow GrayRobinson to represent Alachua County property owners in land use and environmental matters.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Authorize the Chair and Clerk to sign the conflict wavier.
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Prior Board Motions:
N/A
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
N/A
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
N/A
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Background:
GrayRobinson P.A., through one of its attorneys Byron Flagg, requests a limited waiver of potential conflict with its representation of Alachua County. Byron Flagg served in a non-attorney role, as the County's contract negotiator, for the Alachua County Forever Land Conservation Program, from 2019 to August 2022, when he joined the law firm of GrayRobinson. GrayRobinson is currently under contract with the County as special attorneys assisting in matters related to intellectual property litigation and patent prosecution.
In his role with GrayRobinson, Mr. Flagg desires to represent clients regarding land use and environmental matters, which may also include representation of clients in code enforcement, property appraiser determinations, and real property transactions, including land conservation acquisitions by Alachua County. Pursuant to the rules regulating the Florida Bar, GrayRobinson has requested that the County waive certain conflicts of interest regarding its prior representation of the County and Mr. Flagg's prior non-attorney work for the County as conservation land contract negotiator.
The requested limited waiver would apply to the entire GrayRobinson firm. More specifically, GrayRobinson requests the Board of County Commissioners of Alachua County, Florida, waive any conflict with respect to GrayRobinson's representation of clients in "land use and environmental matters." Alachua County and GrayRobinson would agree that GrayRobinson'...
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