The Administration recommends that the Board of Education ratify The School District of Philadelphia’s, through the General Counsel, supplementation of the list of approved outside counsel and the retention and engagement of, on an as-needed basis, the following additional law firms to represent the Board of Education, The School District of Philadelphia, its present and former employees, and present and former members of the Board of Education and School Reform Commission, and to pay counsel fees and related costs and expenses, as follows:

Outside Counsel:

Baker Botts LLP

Welsh & Recker PC

Start Date: 7/24/2020

End Date: 6/30/2022

Location(s):

Administrative Office

Description: The Office of General Counsel works cooperatively with approved outside counsel with respect to negotiating reasonable hourly rates; developing guidelines and strategies to represent the School District in administrative proceedings, civil litigation, and appeals, and other matters as issues arise; managing and overseeing work product; assisting in discovering information and documents needed to pursue, defend, and resolve legal matters; negotiation and drafting of legal instruments and agreements; and investigations. The Office of General Counsel has determined that the retention of these additional identified firms is in the best interests of the School District to fill two needs: (1) additional expertise and availability, and (2) more firms offering rates advantageous to the School District. All approved firms are paid out of the total aggregate amount previously approved by the Board of Education, so no additional compensation is requested.

Related resolution(s)/action item(s):

June 27, 2019; No. 23