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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB 3. Butler Snow Request 9.15.2023 AG Receipt Date: Request for Attorney General Approval of Private Attorney Services *****: ************************************************************************************ 1. Agency Name: CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY Contact Person JEREMY D. JOHNSTON, P.E., M.B.A., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Phone#: 904/272-5999 2. Proposed Agency SAMAS Contract Number: or Purchase Order# (if under$5000): E or S (This information is available from your agency fiscal/purchasing staff.) 3. Class/Group Number: 972- 1 1 0 (This number identifies the area of legal specialization being provided for through contract. Please choose the most appropriate area from the list below.) 010 Administrative Law 240 Commercial Litigation 400 Eminent Domain Law 600 Labor Law 020 Admiralty Law 250 Communication Law 410 Employment Practices Law 605 Land Use Law 030 Agricultural Law 260 Constitutional Law 420 Entertainment Arts and 610 Marital and Family Law 040 Antitrust Law 265 Construction Law Sports 630 Patent and Trademark Law 060 Aviation Law 270 Consumer Law Law 700 Real Estate Law 100 Bankruptcy Law Z80 Contract Law 430 Environmental Law 710 Securities Law 110 Bond Law 285 Copyright Law 440 Estate Planning and Probate 720 Sunshine/Public Records Law 200 Civ11 Appellate Practice 290 Corporate Law 500 General Counsel 800 Tax Law 210 Civil Rights Law 300 Corrections/Parole Law 510 Health Law 850 Utilities Law 220 Civil Trial Practice 320 Criminal Appellate 530 Immigration Law 900 Workers'Compensation Law to 230 Collections Law Practice 535 International Law 330 Criminal Trial Practice 540 Juvenile/Dependency Law iv as to 0 E 4. Type of Request(If this is an original request,please answer only through question #21; if this is a contract amendment,please answer all questions as appropriate): ce Original Contract Contract Amendment X 5. If this is an original request, please provide the estimated total contract amount: Fees$ Costs$ Total $ 6. If this is an original request,please provide the proposed contract period: From to 7. Please provide a brief description of the legal services to be provided CONTRACTOR shall serve as bond and public finance counsel for AGENCY for FY 2023-2024.for purposes of miscellaneous public finance legal assignments.to be provided on an hourly basis. Note: No public finance transaction such as a bond issue or the equivalent is currently contemplated for FY 2023-2024. If that changes,a First Amendment to the CONTRACTOR's private Attorney Services Contract shall be prepared and submitted with respect to a request for authorization by the OGA of the additional fees and reimbursable costs anticipated with respect to any such expanded representation. 8. For trial and appellate litigation,please identify: 1 Form OAG-001 (12/93[rev. 9/2001]) 2 Style of Case: N/A Case Number: N/A Court: N/A 9. Identify the reason outside counsel is needed as opposed to utilizing in-house attorney services: X Necessary legal expertise not available on staff Time commitments exceed in-house staff resources Conflict of interest Local representation necessary Travel,lodging and other costs associated with in-house representation not cost effective X , Other, Identify: Lisp f qualified outside bond counsel is required for terms of this separate representation. 10. Identify the proposed law firm/counsel: Law Firm/Counsel Name: Butler Snow LLP Address 6022 San Jose Boulevard,Suite 100 City,State ZIP Jacksonville, FL 32217 11. Identify by name which partners,associates,research associates or other personnel will be used to perform the contracted legal services; and a schedule of their current billing rates. Name Position Ti to .Hourly Rate Emily F. Magee Partner $300.00/hr. Rene Moore Tax Partner $300.00/hr. Bailey Williams Associate $200.00/hr. Amber Ware Paralegal $150.00/hr. 12. Proposed Hourly Rate: Partner $_ Estimated Hours: Associate$_ Estimated Hours: SeeParaaraph 11..above. Estimated Hours are a known at this time. 13. If the method of payment is to be hourly fee,identify what services will be covered by this fee (e.g., attorney services,paralegal services,research expenditures, overhead including reproductions of materials,administrative support services,telephone charges including faxing of materials,etc.). See Rule 2-37.030, FAC. Any additional public finance legal representation outside of public fti'1'nce tax-exempt revenue note Br bond issue(s).if requested by Agency.and_if offered by Contractor.will be bille. at an h;urly rate. 14.What items,if any,will be subject to additional charges not considered in the hourly fee. See Rule 2- 37.030,FAC. Fo►m OAC-aa1 (1219J[rev.9120e111 3 Work on Public Finance and Bond matters,exclusive of legal support on routine SRLF applications and documentation.but including provision of Opinion of Bond Counsel for the Agency,will be at reasonable and customary charges for such services in the goo,raphic area of the State of Florida as requested by the Agency. 15. If a cap is to be placed on the amount of non-attorney fee expenditures the agency can reimburse over and above the hourly fee,please identify the amount. $N/A 16. Is a waiver to the established fee schedule required? X Yes _ No lfyes,please complete Attachment 1,Statement of Waiver. 17. If an alternate to the hourly billing method is proposed,please describe. Fixed fee per case Flat fee per service(s) Contingency fee Other 18.Services to be Performed in: Clay, Duval and Bradford Counties (County) 19. Please identify the criteria used by your agency to select the proposed legal counsel and explain. Magnitude/complexity of case requires firm's resources to Ratings and certifications (e.g., Martindale and Hubbell) X Firm experience X_Note: Lead Counsel, Emily F. Magee,is a very experienced bond counsel.and has previously served as bond counsel to AGENCY while with another law firm provider to AGENCY.She also served as lead counsel for a tax-exempt revenue note issue for the AGENCY in FY 2022/2023, which was successfully handled and promptly concluded.along with a needed follow up amendment to AGENCY's current Bond Resolution. Minority counsel Firm's physical proximity to case,agency X Firm's prior experience with agency X,(Note: Lead Counsel,Emily F�Magee. is a very experienced bond counsel armed has nreviously_served as bond counsel to AGENCY while with another law firm provider to AGENCY. Firm's prior experience with similar case or issue X (Note: Lead Counsel, Emily F.Magee.is a very experienced bond counsel.and has previously served as bond counsel to AGENCY while with another law firm provider to AGENCY.She also served as lead counsel for a tax-exempt revenue note issue for the AGENCY in FY 2022/2023.which was successfully handled and promptly concluded,along with a needed follow_up amendment to AGENCY's current Bond Resolution.. Billing methodology proposed/rate X Other Form OAG-001(12/99[rep.9/2001]) 4 20. Indicate the names of those attorney(s)/firm(s) contacted in addition to the one proposed and their quoted fees. Firm Name Quoted Fee Not applicable -Emily F, Magee, now with Butler Snow I.I.P, is Agency's regular bond counsel 21.Will agency staff be serving as co-counsel or participating with the outside counsel beyond oversight or coordination?_ND If yes, identify the participation? Fact finding,including document review,witness interview Legal research Formal Discovery Drafting documents Pleading/motion practice Negotiations Appeals_ Trial preparation Trial Co-Counsel Lead counsel Other ,describe 22. If this request is a contract amendment,please identify the reason for the amendment, describe the change(s) from the last approval and provide justification for change(s) below. Increase in total contract amount(including fees&costs): From$�_ to S - Increase in hourly rate: From$_ hourly to $ hourly to _ Increase in allowance for expenditures over and above hourly rate: From $_ to$ X_ Extension of contract period: From 6/15/2023 through 9/30/2023,to 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024. X Revision/change in services to be provided - Other_Please explain Justification for amendment: Needed specialized legal expertise notin haute 23. If this request is arLamendment to extend the contract period,please provide for the immediate prior fiscal year only: $expended for fees: $mOOO OO $expended for costs: $0.00*. Total$expended: $6O,000,00* Based an current available information provided byAGENGY's aeeounts payable depar' ment Up to $2,S18 00 in e: ' or: -; or':-d by prior OGA authorization letter Si �e o ' `''sting S ffices Date -a' 2-3 -°1" I s" Je . �,. �. Isli�sts-. . .. M.R.A. Executive Director Title of Reguestjng Ofl er Foy OAC-nag /ro.W/3MMM!) 5 Statement of Waiver Pursuant to Rule 2-37.040,F.A.C.,the following rationale exists for waiver of the fee schedule for legal services to be rendered by: GRADY H. WILLIAMS.JR., LL.M.,ATTORNEYS AT LAW. PEA, X 1. The Agency is unable to obtain adequate legal representation within the confines of the standard fee schedule. 2. The Agency is unable to obtain legal services with the special expertise necessary to perform the particular function of the practice of law which the agency requires. 3. The waiver is necessary to provide legal services as a result of an emergency,an immediate danger to the public health,safety and welfare,or an opportunity for the state to preserve or enhance the public fisc and that failure to contract immediately for legal services in excess of the standard fee schedule will work to the detriment of the state. Please provide below the rationale for the justification selected. The lead counsel for CONTRACTOR. Emily F. Magee. Esquire,has extensive experience in assisting the to AGENCY with its tax-exempt bond and related tax-exempt financing transactional work and planning. and with the AGENCY's bond resolution. and often provides services ancillary to such legal representation, including coordination of financing design and recommendations with the Agency's financial staff and third-party financial consultants. Access to CONTRACTOR is needed for FY 2023/2024 for present and future capital and financial planning purposes. 4110 \ ^ 2 Agedi d Si: ` Date Form OAG-oat (12/93[rev. 9/2001]) 1 AGREEMENT BETWEEN CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY AND BUTLER SNOW LLP This AGREEMENT is entered into in Middleburg, Clay County, Florida, by and between the CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY (the AGENCY), an independent special district of THE STATE OF FLORIDA, with headquarters located at 3176 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068, and BUTLER SNOW LLP (the CONTRACTOR), located at 6022 San Jose Boulevard,Suite 100,Jacksonville, FL 32217. This AGREEMENT shall bind the parties upon its execution by their representatives. WHEREAS, CONTRACTOR will serve as outside public bond finance and securities counsel for the AGENCY. to WHEREAS, the CONTRACTOR has the expertise necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in this AGREEMENT. NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: ARTICLE 1. ENGAGEMENT OF THE CONTRACTOR The AGENCY agrees to engage the CONTRACTOR and the CONTRACTOR agrees to perform the services set forth below. The CONTRACTOR understands and agrees that all services contracted for are to be performed solely by the CONTRACTOR and may not be subcontracted for or assigned without the prior written consent of the AGENCY. Revised 03/23/06 2 ARTICLE 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES CONTRACTOR shall serve as public finance legal counsel for AGENCY to advise AGENCY on miscellaneous public finance legal matters for FY 2023/2024, on an hourly basis as ordered by AGENCY and accepted by CONTRACTOR. (Note: No tax- exempt bond issue or equivalent transaction is contemplated for AGENCY FOR FY 2022/2023, and any such transaction would require an amendment to this AGREEMENT.) ARTICLE 3. TIME OF PERFORMANCE This AGREEMENT shall begin on October 1,2023, and end on September 30, 2024. The CONTRACTOR shall provide routine services and requested services within to the CONTRACTOR's practice areas within a reasonable time of each such request,and for reoccurring events,either at the scheduled time of the event, such as attendance at a Board of Supervisors meeting, or within a reasonable time thereafter, as the context and circumstances may require. ARTICLE 4. CONSIDERATION (1) Fees and costs shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of ATTACHMENT A FOR PRIVATE ATTORNEY SERVICES, including Exhibit 1. (2) Justified and reasonable travel expenses which are directly and exclusively related to the professional services rendered under this contract will be reimbursed in accordance with§112.061, Florida Statutes. For the purpose of computing travel expenses, the CONTRACTOR's place of business shall be that listed in the Preamble to Revised 03/23/06 3 this AGREEMENT and all travel expenses shall be computed on that basis. (3) The AGENCY is exempted from payment of Florida state sales and use taxes and Federal Excise tax. The CONTRACTOR, however, shall not use the AGENCY's Tax exemption number to secure any materials or services. The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible and liable for the payment of all its FICA/Social Security and other taxes resulting from this AGREEMENT. (4) The CONTRACTOR shall not pledge the AGENCY's credit or make the AGENCY a guarantor of payment or surety for any contract, debt, obligation,judgment, lien, or any form of indebtedness. (5) Payment for services shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of to §215.422, Florida Statutes. (6) Pursuant to Section 215.422(5), Florida Statutes, the Department of Financial Services has established a Vendor Ombudsman to act as an advocate for vendors. The Vendor Ombudsman may be reached at (850)413-7269 or 410-9724. (7) In accordance with the provision of Section 287.0582, Florida Statutes, the State of Florida's (AGENCY's) performance and obligation to pay under this contract is contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Legislature, if the terms of this AGREEMENT extend beyond the current fiscal year. (8) A contingency fee contract must be commercially reasonable. "Commercially reasonable" means the fees shall be no more than the amount permissible pursuant to rule 4-1.5 of the rules regulating The Florida Bar and case law interpreting that rule. If Revised 03/23/06 4 the amount of the fee is in dispute, the counsel retained by the state shall participate in mandatory binding arbitration. Payment of all attorney's fees is subject to appropriation. Attorney's fees shall be forfeited if, during the pendency of the case, the counsel retained by the state takes a public position that is adverse to the state's litigation or settlement posture. (9) If multiple law firms are parties to the contract, then the contract must address the internal system of governance amongst the firms and each law firm must identify one member of its firm who is authorized to legally bind the firm. ARTICLE 5. DOCUMENTATION (1) The CONTRACTOR shall submit monthly written invoices, in accordance to with the requirements of ATTACHMENT A FOR PRIVATE ATTORNEY SERVICES, paragraph D, Format for Invoices,for all fees or other compensation for services or expenses in detail sufficient for a proper pre-audit and post-audit. All invoices shall be submitted to the AGENCY to the attention of Accounts Payable, at the AGENCY's principal headquarters at 3176 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Florida 32068. The AGENCY's contract administrator for this AGREEMENT, or his/her designee, shall review and approve all invoices. In addition, all invoices and all warrants for payment to the CONTRACTOR shall be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for the AGENCY for approval or for ratification, as the case may be. (2) Each private attorney who is under contract to provide attorney services for the state or a state agency shall, from the inception of the contractual relationship until Revised 03/23/06 5 at least 4 years after the contract expires or terminates, maintain detailed current records, including documentation of all expenses, disbursements, charges,credits, underlying receipts and invoices, and other financial transactions that concern the provision of such attorney services. The private attorney shall make all such records available for inspection and copying upon request in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. ARTICLE 6. PUBLIC RECORDS All documents prepared pursuant to this agreement are subject to Florida's Public Records Law. Refusal of the CONTRACTOR to allow public access to such records as required by such law shall constitute grounds for unilateral cancellation of to this AGREEMENT. ARTICLE 7. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT (1) The AGENCY may terminate the AGREEMENT for its convenience or cause by giving five (5) days written notice by registered mail to the CONTRACTOR, specifying the effective date of termination. If this AGREEMENT is terminated, the CONTRACTOR shall be reimbursed for services satisfactorily performed subject to any damages sustained by the AGENCY. (2) If this AGREEMENT is terminated, all finished or unfinished documents, data, studies, correspondence, reports and other products prepared by or for the CONTRACTOR under this AGREEMENT shall be made available to and for the exclusive use of the AGENCY. Revised 03/23/06 6 (3) Notwithstanding the above, the CONTRACTOR shall not be relieved of liability to the AGENCY for damages sustained by the AGENCY by virtue of any termination or breach of this AGREEMENT by the CONTRACTOR. ARTICLE 8. AMENDMENTS Any changes must be mutually agreed upon and incorporated in written amendments to this AGREEMENT. ARTICLE 9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR The CONTRACTOR, and any of its employees, agents, or assigns, are independent contractors and not employees or agents of the AGENCY. ARTICLE 10. LIABILITY to The AGENCY shall not assume any liability for the acts, omissions to act or negligence of the CONTRACTOR, its agents, servants, and employees, nor shall the CONTRACTOR disclaim its own negligence to the AGENCY or any third party. The CONTRACTOR shall maintain, during the period of this AGREEMENT, a professional liability insurance policy for the professional services to be rendered. ARTICLE 11. NONDISCRIMINATION AND COMPLIANCE The CONTRACTOR shall comply with all federal, state and local laws and ordinances applicable to the work and shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the performance of work. ARTICLE 12. ADMINISTRATION OF AGREEMENT 1. The AGENCY contract administrator Jeremy D.Johnston, P.E., M.B.A., Revised 03/23/06 7 Executive Director of the AGENCY, or his designee. 2. The CONTRACTOR contract administrator is Emily F. Magee, Phone: (904) 539-9012, Email: emily.magee@butlersnow.com. 3. All written and verbal approvals referenced in this AGREEMENT must be obtained from the parties' contract administrators or their designees. 4. All notices must be given to the parties' contract administrator. 5. This contract shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Florida. ARTICLE 13. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following to a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids on leases or real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in 287.017, Florida Statutes for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. Any contract in violation of this provision is null and void. ARTICLE 14. AGREEMENT AS INCLUDING ENTIRE AGREEMENT This instrument, including any attachments, embodies the entire AGREEMENT Revised 03/23/06 8 of the parties. There are no other provisions, terms, conditions, or obligations. This AGREEMENT supersedes all previous oral or written communications, representations or agreements on this subject. ARTICLE 15. SPECIAL CONDITIONS (1) The CONTRACTOR agrees to permanently refrain from using or mentioning its association with the AGENCY in advertisements, letterhead,business cards, etc. The CONTRACTOR's services to the AGENCY may be generally described in the CONTRACTOR's professional resume. The CONTRACTOR may not give the impression in any manner, that the AGENCY recommends or endorses the CONTRACTOR. to (2) All contacts with the news media pertaining to the subject of this AGREEMENT shall be referred to the AGENCY contract administrator. (3) Anything that is produced by or developed in connection with this contract shall remain the exclusive property of the AGENCY and may not be copyrighted, patented, or otherwise restricted as provided by law. Neither the CONTRACTOR nor any other individual employed under this AGREEMENT shall have any proprietary interest in any product(s)developed or produced under this AGREEMENT. (4) This AGREEMENT shall be subject to the approval or ratification of the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS of the CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY, and shall be further submitted for approval or other appropriate action by the OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL for the STATE OF FLORIDA. Revised 03/23/06 9 IN WITNESS WHEREOF,CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY,as the AGENCY,and BUTLER SNOW LLP,as the CONTRACTOR,have executed this AGREEMENT on the dates set forth below, to be effective as October 1,2023. The"CONTRACTOR" The"AGENCY" BUTLER SNOW LLP CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY By. By: Name: Emfly . Mage Name: Jeremy D.Johnston.P.E., M.B.A. Title: Part Title: Executive Director FID Number: 64-0331849 APPROVED O FORM A D LEGALIT By: Name: radv . Williams.Jr.,LL . to Attorney Title: General Counsel for the AGENCY (4163a_ ,91,(9041 ess Witness Ct 2oz3 Date Date Revised 03/23/06 1 OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ATTACHMENT A FOR PRIVATE ATTORNEY SERVICES A. SCOPE OF SERVICES The CONTRACTOR shall: 1. Review and analyze AGENCY legal files, data,documents and other materials concerning public finance legal matters and advise on recommended legal course. Attend and participate in meetings,conference calls,inspections or the like and report on the status of any such assigned public finance legal matters. 3. Subject to additional order by the AGENCY and acceptance by the CONTRACTOR, provide representation on an hourly basis on other public finance matters affecting AGENCY. B. COMPENSATION-FEES 1. The AGENCY shall be billed in accordance with Exhibit 1. Fees shall not exceed $12,500 for the CONTRACTOR's services,and fees in excess of such amount shall not be compensable, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the AGENCY and the CONTRACTOR. to 2. Billable hours: a. Assigned legal projects undertaken as ordered by the AGENCY, and as accepted by the CONTRACTOR, shall be billed by the hour, as set forth in accordance with Exhibit 1, I.A., below. Billable hours shall be measured in six (6) minute increments. Compensation of attorney hours will be for actual time spent providing attorney services to the AGENCY. 3. Premium rates will not be paid for overtime work. 4. Attorney time while traveling on litigation and other separately billable matters not addressed above or covered by the described monthly retainer amount will be compensated at 100%percent of the hourly rates reflected in Exhibit 1., I.A.,below. To the greatest extent practical, travel time shall be incurred in the presence of employees,agents and consultants of the AGENCY, for preparation,organization,planning and analysis purposes with respect to the matter being handled on behalf of the AGENCY. C. COMPENSATION-COSTS 1. On litigation matters, reimbursement of costs for such items as exhibits, transcripts and witness fees requires prior oral authorization by the AGENCY and shall be reimbursed based upon documented third party vendor charges. The AGENCY shall not pay for the CONTRACTOR's firm surcharges added to third party vendor charges. Form OAG-002(07/97[rev.04/2006,effective]) 2 2. Routine expenses such as local phone calls,local facsimile transmissions, routine postage, copy work, local travel expenses,printed library materials and local courier,word processing,clerical or secretarial services are overhead and will not be separately compensated. 3. Non-routine office overhead expenses such as long-distance phone calls,long distance facsimile transmissions,long distance courier services,bulk mailings, bulk third party copying, blueprints, x-rays, photographs and computer-assisted legal research services must be justified to the AGENCY and shall be reimbursed based on documented third party vendor charges. If these charges exceed $500.00 per month, or such lower amount as may be specified in writing by the contract administrator for the AGENCY from time to time, then prior written approval from the AGENCY must be obtained. In-house bulk mailings and bulk copying expenses must be supported by usage logs or similar documentation. The CONTRACTOR's firm surcharges are not reimbursable. 4. The CONTRACTOR shall only bill the AGENCY for a proportionate share of the cost of legal research, attending hearings or engaging in client representation of any type,which is applicable to other clients. 5. Reimbursable costs shall not exceed$2,500.00 for any litigation matter. The CONTRACTOR shall notify the AGENCY in writing when costs reach$2,500.00. Said notification to shall be made as soon as is practicable and prior to the next monthly invoice,or by a separate invoice for reimbursement,clearly identified as such. D. FORMAT FOR INVOICES 1. Within 30 days of service provision,each statement for fees and costs shall be submitted in one (1) counterpart, in a format that includes,at a minimum, the following information: a. Case name and number, if applicable, or other legal matter reference. b. Invoice number for the particular bill. c. CONTRACTOR taxpayer identification number. d. CONTRACTOR and AGENCY contract administrators' names. e. Inclusive dates of the month covered by the invoice. f. Itemization of the date;hours billed (if hourly);a concise, meaningful description of the services rendered,with sufficient detail to enable the AGENCY to evaluate the services rendered and costs; the person(s) who performed the services for each day during which the CONTRACTOR performed work; their hourly rate (if hourly) as specified in Exhibit 1, and any billing rate that is for some reason different from the one furnished in Exhibit 1, e.g., travel at a reduced hourly rate. Form OAG-002(07/97[rev. 04/2006,effective]) 3 g. A listing of all invoiced costs to be accompanied by copies of actual receipts. h. The total of only the current bill. Prior balances or payment history should be shown separately,if at all. i. A certification statement, signed by the CONTRACTOR's contract administrator that reads, "I certify that all costs and fees claimed for payment are accurate and were performed in furtherance of the AGREEMENT between BUTLER SNOW LLP and CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY." j. Any other information as may be requested by the AGENCY's contract administrator. E. ADMINISTRATION OF AGREEMENT 1. The AGENCY contract administrator is Jeremy D.Johnston,P.E., M.B.A.,Executive Director of the AGENCY, or his designee. 2. The CONTRACTOR contract administrator is Emily F. Magee. However,if multiple law firms are parties to the Contract, then the contract must address the internal system of governance amongst the firms and each law firm must identify one member of its firm who is authorized to legally bind the firm. to 3. All oral approvals must be obtained from the parties' contract administrators or their designees. All notices must be given to the parties' contract administrators. 4. This contract shall be governed by and construed under the laws of Florida. F. OTHER AVAILABLE SERVICES Upon receiving approval from the AGENCY, the CONTRACTOR shall use existing AGENCY agreements,when available and cost effective, to acquire services (e.g.,computer-assisted legal research) and the assistance of professionals (e.g.,court reporters,expert witnesses) at reduced rates. G. PUBLIC RECORDS All documents prepared pursuant to the AGREEMENT are subject to Florida's Public Records Law. Refusal of the CONTRACTOR to allow public access to such records,as required by such law, shall constitute grounds for unilateral cancellation of this AGREEMENT. H. SPECIAL CONDITIONS 1. The CONTRACTOR will make affirmative efforts to achieve cost effectiveness by consolidating court hearings, limiting travel,streamlining case processing, using printed forms,using the appropriate level of attorney or staff experience required by task,and taking other actions to improve efficiency. Form OAG-002(07/97[rev. 04/2006, effective]) 4 2. Multiple staffing at meetings, hearings,depositions, trials,etc., by the CONTRACTOR will not be compensated without prior written approval from the AGENCY. 3. CONTRACTOR agrees that all documents shall be promptly returned at the termination of the CONTRACTOR's involvement in the case or matter at hand. 4. AGENCY in-house staff shall be used in the legal matter to the maximum extent possible. 5. The CONTRACTOR will provide immediate notice by facsimile transmission or telephone regarding significant case developments which will likely result in media inquiries. 6. The CONTRACTOR shall provide the AGENCY immediate notice of any representation undertaken by the CONTRACTOR in matters where the client is suing or being sued by the state or state entities in any civil or adversarial administrative action. 7. A contingency fee contract must be commercially reasonable. "Commercially reasonable" means the fees shall be no more than the amount permissible pursuant to Rule 4-1.5 of the rules regulating The Florida Bar and case law interpreting that rule. If the amount of the fee is in dispute, the counsel retained by the state shall participate in mandatory binding arbitration. Payment of all attorney's fees is subject to appropriation. Attorney's fees shall be forfeited if,during the pendency of the case, the counsel retained by the state takes a public position that is adverse to the state's to litigation or settlement posture. 8. Each private attorney who is under contract to provide attorney services for the state or a state agency shall, from the inception of the contractual relationship until at least 4 years after the contract expires or terminates, maintain detailed current records,including documentation of all expenses,disbursements,charges, credits, underlying receipts and invoices,and other financial transactions that concern the provision of such attorney services. The private attorney shall make all such records available for inspection and copying upon request in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. 9. The AGENCY's general counsel must approve and sign the contract as to form and legality. The Contract must be signed by the AGENCY head,who shall also maintain custody of the contract. Form OAG-001(07/97[rev. 04/2006,effective]) 5 EXHIBIT 1 - Fee Schedule I. HOURLY BILLING SCHEDULE: A. Any work will be provided on an hourly basis as requested by AGENCY, and as accepted by the CONTRACTOR. CONTRACTOR's attorney and paralegal staff to be used under this contract include the following individuals at the hourly rates indicated: NAME Hourly Rate 1. Emily F. Magee, Partner $300.00 2. Rene Moore,Tax Partner $300.00 3. Bailey Williams, Associate $200.00 4. Amber Ware,Paralegal $150.00 The above rates may be adjusted if both parties agree,and shall be documented in writing by amendment to this AGREEMENT. to Form OAG-002(07/97[rev.04/2006,effective])