INGLEWOOD – The law firm of Miller Barondess is seeking excessive legal fees from the city’s treasurer in an ongoing matter between the City and its long-time treasurer.
Wanda Brown brought a lawsuit against the City after the council retaliated against her for publicly discussing the city’s finances and an overpayment made to a city vendor.
The City prevailed in some areas of their fight against Brown’s claims, which has her liable for reasonable attorney fees.
Miller Barondess seeking reimbursement of legal fees in the hourly range of $795-$975 which far exceeds the amounts in their existing contract with the City.
Miller Barondess has a multi-year agreement with Inglewood and had its rates increased to $450 – $550 per hour for “broad ranging legal advice, guidance, representation, and services” under Agreement No. 18-118 which was approved in February 2019.
The court notes “rates and amounts stated on Miller Barondess’ invoices were redacted”. The total amount they are requesting is in excess of $123,000.
Brown’s attorney’s state the billing records only indicate they performed six hours of service on her lawsuit.
“The defendants [City} are improperly claiming fees for work done on their separate, unrelated demurrer…and are seeking fees in excess of what they actually incurred given the contract between Inglewood and Miller Barondess law firm sets an hourly limit”.
Miller Barondess is representing the City in matters related to the mayor’s ex-aide’s lawsuit, and one pending from an LAPD motor officer and his wife who are seeking damages after the mayor slammed into the officer while he was sitting stationary in front of USC.
Miller Barondess is also the counsel of record for LA County in several high profile matters including an ongoing lawsuit involving photos taken at the scene of a helicopter crash involving Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and several others.
Most if not all of these cases could have been settled, however, it appears Miller Barondess is more interested in their billable hours as opposed to being careful stewards of taxpayers money.
Both Inglewood and LA County continue to evade public records requests to release billing details for costs incurred at taxpayers expense.
The CIty and Brown will be back in court on this matter September 13.
wandalegalfees
1 Comment
The comments by Butts on Facebook must be intended for those who believe his lies re the Joseph Teixeira case also. Butts of all people should not be shouting or whispering “frivolous lawsuit”, especially after the the TEIXEIRA lawsuit.
IT WAS THE CITY THAT FILED A “FRIVOLOUS” LAWSUIT. AND LOST !!! Not to mention made the city look like the laughing stock of the country!! No kidding Attorney’s everywhere were laughing at how foolish the Mayor’s claim was.
It was the city (AKA Inglewood Residents) that had to pay both “The city’s outside attorney firm and the judge ruled the city must also pay Mr Teixeira’s attorney fees!
All because poor Mr Butts can’t handle it when someone actually tells the truth and fails to support his lies.
Please look up the “copyright protection” case the Judge found so third world-ish.
As for the Wanda Brown case, and the City’s outside Attorney fees being up to nearly $1,000.00 per hour….Since the four go along council members agreed to let Butts hire and promote his girlfriend to the tune of nearly $400,000.00 a year in salary and benefits perhaps taxpayers should go to court to have their assets sold for “reimbursement” of irresponsible non-action (saying NO to their team dictator) which led to The Melanie McDade lawsuit.
Anyone wondering how the Five COUNCIL WIVES would feel about the sale of their dwelling units to cover the Miller Barondess fees? How could the council wives not think their hubbies were complicit? After all their hubbies sanctioned and actually opted to vote aye for each of Ms McDades Increases and Bonuses!!!
People let’s go back to finance 101 spending more than you have is not a good thing to do.
Not when your mommy will make up the difference, and certainly not when the City residents have to make up the difference.
And no the billionaires will not make it all better Just ask the St Louis Residents. We told you that there was a limit to what Kroenke would pay and that The BUTT TEAM said you would reimburse his expenses…. yep same Team that gave the $18 million to the other poor Billionaire.
November vote for the frivolous and foolishness to end. Vote to end the BUTT TEAM’s stranglehold on our community.