Laserfiche WebLink
there is an unknown factor. He indicated he does not think the City's work can be done for <br />$48,000 a year. Mr. Couri stated he would guarantee that if at the end of any year Ramsey does <br />not think they got the value of the retainer, the City Council can knock it back to $48,000. But, <br />he thinks Ramsey wants to change attorneys because they do not think they are getting the value. <br />He stated he is confident that Ramsey will be satisfied with their work and they will stand behind <br />their numbers. <br />Please describe how you would provide coverage in absence of Mr. Couri and the secondary <br />attorney. Who would be the back up? What do you have for support staff and paralegals? <br />Mr. Couri stated he has not anticipated being incapacitated, but he and his partner coordinate <br />their schedules starting with vacation so they are never both out at the same time. If out of the <br />office, they have cellular telephone service. However, this is a blessing as they both work as a <br />team approach and are very involved with the client and knowledgeable with what is going on so <br />either can answer questions. But, the down side is that there is not a third attorney. Mr. Couri <br />stated in the past, they have had that person but found that third person generally cannot help <br />with a specific matter but can only give a general answer. <br />Mr. Couri stated their support staff has been with them for 17 years, is a secretary /paralegal and <br />well trained. But, she is not an attorney and does not practice law or do primary work but drafts <br />documents and then he picks it up from there. <br />The City of Ramsey has worked with the same attorney and law firm since incorporation in the <br />1970s. What would you to do assure effective and seamless transition? <br />Mr. Couri stated he and his partner will be here for several weeks, on and off, with staff, ask to <br />see what the legal issues are, and review the Charter and ordinances to gain familiarity. He <br />stated the first month to month and a half they will be involved in that work, which is included in <br />the retainer. Once they have a good understanding, the Council will tell them what they want the <br />current attorney to finish and then his firm will start with the other matters. Mr. Couri noted the <br />union attorney will continue with that work and they will make recommendations along the way. <br />What elements comprise a successful attorney /client relationship? <br />Mr. Couri stated it is trust, trust, trust, and they pride themselves on understanding the Council <br />has been elected by its constituents to represent them and the last thing that should happen is the <br />City Attorney impeding their work and that representation. Mr. Couri stated his firm's job is to <br />give options and recommendations, tell it like it is, and then the Council makes the decision and <br />he will then implement it with City staff. For the Council's best interest, they will not <br />"sugarcoat" it and tell them what they need to hear, though diplomatic, about what the law says. <br />Mr. Couri stated they will do that consistently so the Council has their trust. <br />In your proposal, you disclosed the conflict of representation with the City of Nowthen. Please <br />address issues you may see and how potential conflicts would be handled. <br />City Council Work Session / June 4, 2013 <br />Page 4 of 22 <br />