Agenda Item Name:
Title
Approve special attorney agreement (Sylvia H. Walbolt)
End
Presenter:
Sylvia E. Torres, County Attorney, 352-374-5218
Description:
Agreement with Sylvia H. Walbolt to represent County before the Florida Supreme Court in the matter of Alachua County v. Sadie Darnell, in her official capacity as Sheriff of Alachua County, Florida, with a not-to-exceed amount of $65,000
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Authorize County Manager to sign attached letter of engagement with Sylvia H. Walbolt
End
Prior Board Motions:
On November 12, 2019, the Board appointment of special counsel, Sylvia H. Walbolt, to represent the Board in the matter of Alachua County v. Sadie Darnell, in her official capacity as Sheriff of Alachua County, Florida.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
There is sufficient budget in special expense for this contract.
End
Background:
On May 19, 2020, the Florida Supreme Court issued an order accepting jurisdiction to hear an appeal of Alachua County v. Darnell, 1st DCA Case No. 1D18-3367; L.T. #2017-CA-521. The 1st District Court of Appeals issued an unfavorable ruling, and denied the County’s Motions for Rehearing, for Rehearing En Banc, and for Certification of Question Concerning Great Public Importance. Pursuant to the Supreme Court’s Order accepting jurisdiction, the County’s initial brief must be served on or before June 8, 2020.
Through this contract, the County will retain Sylvia H. Walbolt, Carlton Fields (<https://www.carltonfields.com/team/w/sylvia-h-walbolt>), to represent Alachua County in this matter at $495/hour. The contract also includes authorization for James Parker-Flynn (<<https://www.carltonfields.com/team/p/james-e-parker-flynn>>), to provide legal services to the County at $375/hour.