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2002 SESSION

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HB 309 Employment of special counsel.

Introduced by: William J. Howell | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Private attorney retention sunshine act requiring open negotiation for employment of special counsel. Provides that no state agency or state agent shall enter into a contingency fee contract for legal services if fees and expenses are reasonably expected to exceed $100,000 unless an open and competitive negotiation process has been previously undertaken in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Private attorney retention sunshine act requiring open negotiation for employment of special counsel. Provides that no state agency or state agent shall enter into a contingency fee contract for legal services if fees and expenses are reasonably expected to exceed $100,000 unless an open and competitive negotiation process has been previously undertaken in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Private attorney retention sunshine act requiring open negotiation for employment of special counsel. Provides that no special counsel may be employed on behalf of a state agency or department if fees and expenses are reasonably expected to exceed $100,000 unless an open and competitive negotiation process has been previously undertaken. The bill also provides for review of the contract by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission in cases where the contract price is expected to exceed $500,000. The bill also provides that in no case shall the hourly rate of special counsel hired on behalf of a state agency or department exceed $500 per hour.