2-Outside Counsel Procedures.pdf

This document is a set of Outside Counsel Procedures for the Bernalillo County Legal Department, dated October 2015. The procedures outline the comprehensive guidelines for engaging and managing outside legal counsel for Bernalillo County, detailing the expectations, billing practices, communication protocols, and ethical standards for law firms providing legal services to the county. The document covers multiple aspects of the legal engagement process, including the relationship between the county's Legal Department and outside counsel, engagement policies, billing procedures, confidentiality requirements, and specific guidelines for litigation matters.

The procedures emphasize cost-effectiveness, transparency, and high ethical standards, with specific provisions for billing practices, invoice submission, disbursements, and legal research. The county expects outside counsel to provide detailed, itemized invoices, round time entries to the nearest 0.10 of an hour, and follow strict guidelines on reimbursable expenses. The document also highlights the county's commitment to diversity, encouraging the inclusion of minority and women attorneys in legal service provision. Additionally, the procedures include exhibits for time entries, initial case plan and budget, and a template for reporting the use of minority and women attorneys on county matters, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to managing external legal resources.