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Please describe how you would provide coverage in absence of Mr. Langel and the secondary <br />attorney. Who would be the back up? What do you have f or su staff an paralegals? <br />Mr. Langel stated he would be primary, Eric Quiring would be secondary, and there is no <br />conflict with their meeting schedules in Ramsey. He stated it does not come up that often when <br />there would be a conflict Mr. Langel stated they do not put out an RFP unless they know they <br />have the time to take care of the client and provide quality service, not just service. He stated <br />they get nervous if they are so busy they cannot keep track of things. Mr. Langel stated he and <br />Mr. Quiring have talked about the anticipated load and feel comfortable in being able to take on <br />Ramsey's work. Mr. Langel assured the Council there would be backup at all times. Beyond <br />that, they have two attorneys with municipal experience and plenty of depth in the event the two <br />of them are not available. He stated that would be rare and he does not see it as an issue <br />Mr. Langel stated their support staff has been with the firm for 20+ years and is extremely <br />efficient and talented and can handle all the paralegal work. He stated the firm is taking on <br />additional secretaries because they anticipate adding attorneys so more support staff will be <br />needed. <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. Langel stated it is important that they meet with staff to get on the same page on pending <br />issues, what nasty things are going on, and those types of things and that is part of the retainer. <br />In addition, they offer to meet with the former attorney to work through his files but sometimes <br />that offer is not taken up. Mr. Langel stated if possible, it can be very helpful and especially if <br />there is an ongoing and contentious issue. They do not charge for that kind of thing, as it is part <br />of the transition and making it easier. Mr. Langel stated they need to get and review open files <br />from current counsel and open their own files, which is part of the retainer. <br />What elements comprise a successful attorney /client relationship? <br />Mr. Langel stated communication is the most important of all as to expectations, timelines, what <br />the risks and benefits are to a certain course of action. Secondarily, it is timeliness. He stated <br />they are acutely aware that municipalities have expectations about when things need to be <br />responded to and a lot of times, it is the same day or within 24 hours and if not that quickly, they <br />have that discussion up front to tell them what it will take. <br />Mr. Langel stated competency and experience are also very important and they have been doing <br />this for a long time and all they do is municipal law so they have that "base" covered. He noted <br />the City has probably contacted their references and heard the same. <br />Why do you believe your firm is the best firm to serve as Ramsey's City Attorney? <br />Mr. Langel stated it encompasses everything they have been talking bout. They are a specialty <br />niche firm and that is how it started out 26 years ago. All they do is municipal work, it is 99% of <br />their billings, and they do not represent developers or people who want trust work. RRM is very <br />City Council Work Session / June 4, 2013 <br />Page 7 of 22 <br />