title
Authorization for payment of Gautreaux Plaintiff's Counsel attorneys' fees and expenses.
presenter
Presenter: Elizabeth Silas, Interim Chief Legal Officer
end
Recommendation
The Interim Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Chicago Housing Authority ("CHA") recommends that the CHA Board of Commissioners ("Board") approve the payment of attorney fees and expenses for Gautreaux Plaintiff's Counsel, Impact for Equity ("IFE"), for the period of January 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024, in the amount of $268,000.00.
The requested action complies in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and CHA policies. CHA staff has completed all necessary due diligence to support the submission of this initiative.
Funding
MTW Funds
Background
Pursuant to the July 1, 1969 Gautreaux Court Order, CHA is required to pay Gautreaux Plaintiff's Counsel attorney fees and expenses for all Gautreaux related litigation. On January 23, 2019, the Gautreaux Settlement Agreement was entered granting Gautreaux plaintiffs the ability to seek attorney fees and expenses for services performed.
On August 29, 2024, CHA received a request for payment of attorney fees and expenses for the period of January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024, in the amount of $265,406.25 and expenses totaling $7850.00. As required by Federal law, CHA and IFE entered into negotiations and an agreement was reached whereby CHA agrees to pay IFE attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $268,000.00 pending CHA Board of Commissioners approval.
The authorization to pay the proposed $268,000.00 will ensure the amount of attorney fees and expenses will be the maximum amount paid to IFE. If the Board does not authorize payment of the agreed upon attorney fees and expenses, it is likely the Federal Judge presiding over the Gautreaux litigation will award IFE attorney fees in an amount exceeding the agreed amount.
Based upon the foregoing, it is in the best interest of the Chicago...
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