ITEM TITLE:
Consider approving an agreement for professional services between the City of Lawton and Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP for their expertise with immigration law relating to employment visas for select City of Lawton employees and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.
INITIATOR: City Attorney, John Ratliff and Acting City Attorney Timothy Wilson
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: City Attorney, John Ratliff and Acting City Attorney Timothy Wilson
BACKGROUND: The City of Lawton has a current employee that requires an employment visa. The immigration employment visa process is lengthy and complex and requires the expertise of a practicing immigration attorney. Hourly attorney rates vary from $300.00-$495.00 per hour based on attorney’s experience level. Hourly non-attorney rates vary from $125-$180 per hour. Additionally, the Agreement outlines the potential for additional administrative fees and filing fees. The City Attorney has authority under the agreement to authorize additional hours of work, if necessary.
This agreement will replace the current contract with Farzaneh & Patel, PLLC, as the partnering attorney is moving to Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP. The rates above are the same rates of the previous agreement with Farzaneh & Patel, PLLC.
EXHIBIT: Proposed Agreement with Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson LLP.
KEY ISSUES: N/A
FUNDING SOURCE: Legal Expense Account #52030. FY23/24 budgeted amount is $400,000.00. As of 02/01/2024 the amount currently encumbered is $366,186.99 and the amount spent to date is $221,813.01.
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve an agreement for professional services between the City of Lawton and Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP for their expertise with immigration law relating to employment visas and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement.