TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Kim N. Phan, Legal Services
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Executive Director
DATE: December 8, 2022
Title
FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Approve the First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Goren Cherof Doody & Ezrol, PA.
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Background:
In 2006, the CRA Board approved a general counsel legal services agreement with Goren Cherof Doody & Ezrol, PA (“Goren Cherof”) at $195.00 per hour for attorneys.
Most recently, in 2013, the CRA Board approved of a similar legal services agreement with Goren Cherof at the same rate of $195.00 per hour for attorney (“Legal Services Agreement”).
In October 2020, the CRA hired an in-house legal advisor to handle the CRA’s daily general legal matters. Accordingly, Goren Cherof’s services has evolved into providing the CRA with more specialized real estate legal services.
Based on Goren Cherof’s specialized role with the CRA that requires specialize knowledge and experience, a First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement is recommended to modify Goren Cherof’s legal capacity and duties from general counsel to special counsel and to provide for an adjustment to the hourly rate from $195.00 to $250.00 per hour for attorneys. The attorney currently assigned to the CRA shall remain the same - Donald J. Doody.
Section 163.356(3)(C), Florida Statutes authorizes the CRA to employ or retain its own counsel and legal staff.
At this time, Staff is recommending CRA Board approval of the First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Goren Cherof.
Attachments: Exhibit A - First Amendment to Legal Services Agreement.
CRA Attorney Review:
The CRA Attorney has reviewed the attached First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement and finds it to be acceptable as to form.