Hire law firm Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy to file lawsuit on contingent-fee basis

Why This Vote Matters

The council rejected a request to delay a decision on hiring lawyers for an undisclosed lawsuit by 30 days. Vice Mayor Boozé and Councilmember Bates wanted more time to review the legal services agreement with Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, but the majority voted to proceed immediately. Under the proposed contract, the city would pay no upfront legal fees but would give the law firm a percentage of any money recovered if the lawsuit succeeds. The council will now vote on the actual legal services agreement, though the target and claims of the potential lawsuit remain confidential.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Why This Vote Matters

The council voted 5-2 to require Chevron to enter mediation before the city proceeds with a planned lawsuit, with Councilmembers Bates and Boozé dissenting. If no settlement is reached within 30 days, the city will then approve a contract with the law firm Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy to handle the litigation on a contingency basis, meaning the firm only gets paid if the city wins or settles. The city has not disclosed what claims it intends to pursue against the oil giant. This approach gives Chevron one last chance to resolve the dispute out of court before facing a lawsuit that could cost the company significantly more in legal fees and potential damages.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Why This Vote Matters

The council narrowly rejected a plan to hire a law firm for an undisclosed lawsuit where the city would only pay if it wins money. Mayor McLaughlin's motion to hire Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy on a contingency basis failed in a 3-3 tie, with Councilmember Myrick abstaining. Under this arrangement, the city would have paid no upfront legal fees but would give the firm a percentage of any settlement or court award. The rejection means the city will not pursue this particular legal strategy, though the nature of the potential lawsuit remains undisclosed.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Why This Vote Matters

The council voted 5-2 to end debate on hiring a law firm to handle an undisclosed lawsuit, with Councilmembers Myrick and Rogers wanting more discussion. The city would pay Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy nothing upfront but give them a percentage of any money won through the lawsuit or settlement. This "contingency fee" arrangement means the city takes no financial risk if the case fails, but residents still don't know who the city plans to sue or why. The vote only ended debate on the contract - the actual hiring decision would require a separate vote.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.