Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Attorney to expand the scope of appointment of Kaplan Kirsch LLP as special counsel to include certain complex airline matters at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (as further described below), and to enter into and execute on the County’s behalf an amendment to the current agreement with Kaplan Kirsch LLP to address the expanded scope and to increase the maximum amount payable by $150,000.
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Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required to accomplish the above-referenced actions.
What Action Accomplishes
Authorizes the above-referenced actions.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
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☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
The County currently retains Kaplan Kirsch LLP for complex railroad matters involving the County, including railroad matters impacting operations at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (“FLL”). The County is in the process of analyzing and negotiating certain complex and critical signatory agreements and other related documents between the County and various signatory airlines operating at FLL, which agreements and documents are expected to have material impact on FLL’s operations for an extended term. The current signatory airline agreements expire on September 30, 2026.
The County Attorney’s Office would like to engage Kaplan Kirsch LLP in an advisory capacity to assist with these transactions, including by providing legal and strategic support in the development of new long-term signatory airline agreements.
Kaplan Kirsch LLP possesses substantial expertise in airport-related legal matters and is highly qualified to provide specialized counsel to the County for these particular transactions.
For this specialized work, Kaplan Kirsch LLP has proposed the following blended hourly rates, which would be effective through at least the end of 2026: $540 for partners and comparable counsel; $430 for associates; and $220 for paralegals and law clerks. These rates are discounted from Kaplan Kirsch LLP’s standard rates.
Source of Additional Information
Israel Fajardo, Senior Assistant County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Funds for the legal services and associated costs will be provided by the Aviation Department. The proposed budget is $150,000. We believe this amount will be sufficient for these additional legal matters; if additional funding is required, an agenda item will be presented for Board consideration at the applicable time.