The purpose of this engagement is to provide investigative services as outside legal counsel to the City. These services are including but not limited to: gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, conducting legal research, and reporting on findings related the occurrence of any violations of applicable ethics laws, local laws, City policy, and potential fraud in connection with the request for proposal process regarding the sale of the City’s Brickell Building, the resulting contract and real estate transactions pertaining to the Brickell Building, permitting and permitting procedures relating to the Brickell Building, the validity and applicability of an issued certificate of occupancy pertaining to the City’s Brickell Building, matters as discussed during the City Council’s regular public meeting held on February 24, 2025, regarding the Brickell Building, and all pertinent ethics-related matters. The law firm will work closely with appointed City authority to ensure that the investigation is conducted lawfully, ethically, and in accordance with municipal regulations and protocol. The law firm will provide the following investigative services, including but not limited to: a. Investigation Planning and Strategy Development: - Collaborate with appointed City authority to understand the scope and objectives of the investigation. - Develop a detailed investigation plan, outlining the methodology, timeline and resource allocation. - Identify legal issues, evidence sources and witnesses relevant to the investigation. b. Data Collection and Evidence Gathering: - Conduct interviews with relevant individuals, including witnesses, City employees, contractors, and other parties as needed. - Gather document evidence, including emails, contracts, public records, or any other relevant materials. - Utilize appropriate investigative tools, including databases, surveillance, other methods (with proper legal authorization) - Conduct on-site investigation if required, ensuring all actions are consistent with municipal, state and federal law. c. Legal and Ethical Compliance: - Ensure all investigative procedures adhere to applicable laws, including confidentiality, privacy protection, and ethical guidelines. - Maintain impartiality, objectivity and integrity throughout the investigation. d. Report Generation and Documentation: - Provide comprehensive, clear, and well-documented investigative reports, outline findings, evidence and recommendations. - Summarize facts, legal analysis, and implications for municipal policies or legal action. - Prepare and present interim reports upon request, with updates on the status and progress of the investigation. - Provide a finalized written and electronic report with recommendations, corrective actions and policy revisions. - Attend City Council meeting to present findings and recommendations. e. Legal Advisory and Recommendations: - Provide legal advice to City authorities based on investigation findings. - Offer recommendation for any corrective actions, policy revisions, or legal proceedings necessary based on the results of the investigation. - Attend meetings with City Council and Leadership as required to discuss findings and next steps.
