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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5775-08-2023A Resolution NO. 5775-08-2023 RATIFYING THE EMPLOYMENT OF BAKER & HOSTETLER, LLP AS OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL TO ADVISE AND REPRESENT THE CITY IN MATTERS RELATED TO A RECENT DATA SECURITY INCIDENT AND PAYMENT OF COUNSEL FEES WHEREAS, on or about June 23, 2023, the City learned about a data breach affecting certain information within an internal information system; WHEREAS, the law firm of Baker & Hostetler, LLP possessed the required knowledge and expertise in areas concerning data security incidents; WHEREAS, because of the critical nature of the City's response to the data incident and the extraordinary complexity in this area of the law, the City engaged Baker & Hostetler, LLP for legal advice; and WHEREAS, the City Manager and the City Attorney now recommend that the City Council ratify the engagement of Baker & Hostetler, L.LP, as outside legal counsel in an amount up to $100,000.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS: The City Council ratifies the engagement of the law firm of Baker & Hostetler, LLP as outside legal counsel pursuant to Chapter VI, Section 3 of the City Charter to assist and represent the City in matters related to the recent data security incident and the payment of legal fees. Adopted this 8t" day of August 2023. ATTEST: Jannette S. Goodall, City Secretary 4n:a'Mnpn-Q a� FORT aa p a a ?moo O��dd C P V$ o=p � o City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 08/08/23 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 23-0616 LOG NAME: 12BAKERHOSTETLERDATA SUBJECT (ALL) Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the Retention of the Law Firm of Baker & Hostetler, LLP as Outside Legal Counsel to Provide Legal Representation Related to a Data Security Incident in an Amount Up to $100,000.00 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution ratifying the retention of Baker & Hostetler, LLP as outside legal counsel to provide legal representation related to a data security incident in an amount up to $100,000.00 DISCUSSION: The City Attorney's Office, in conjunction with Risk Management, retained the law firm of Baker & Hostetler, LLP (Baker) as outside legal counsel to assist with a recent data security incident. On or about June 23, 2023, the City learned about a data breach affecting information contained in an internal information system named Vueworks, which is not part of the City's website. Upon learning of the data breach, the City began investigating the incident immediately, which included, among other things, engaging legal counsel at Baker to advise the City on the associated legal issues. Because this was a unique and critical situation that required the action of specialized legal expertise in a complex and difficult legal field, and because Baker had the experience necessary to advise the City about the legal issues associated with data security incidents, the City engaged Baker for legal advice. The City Attorney is now requesting that the Clty Council ratify that action by adopting the attached resolution. Legal fees are not expected to exceed $100,000.00. Funding is budgeted in the Risk Management Fund FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION: The Director of Finance certifies that this action will have no material effect on City funds. Submitted for City Manager's Office by. ALL ACMs 6122 Originating Business Unit Head: Leann Guzman 8973 Additional Information Contact: Leann Guzman 8973 Expedited