Title
Resolution relative to retaining Phipps Deacon Purnell PLLC as outside counsel for opioid manufacturer litigation.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of West Allis has an interest in abating the opioid epidemic and continues to expend significant resources combating opiate use, addiction, overdose, and corresponding ancillary community health, safety, and welfare issues caused by opiates and opiate manufacturers within the community; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council has determined that pursuing a lawsuit against opiate manufacturers would be in the interest of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community; and
WHEREAS, the City of West Allis has been approached by law firms, including Phipps Deacon Purnell PLLC and Tabak Law LLC acting as local counsel for Napoli and Shkolnik PLLC, related to initiating or joining a lawsuit targeted at opiate manufacturers; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council and City Attorney’s Office have determined that it would be the best course of action to retain outside legal counsel that specializes in litigation against large entities such as opiate manufacturers, and has the appropriate resources to engage in such litigation against opiate manufacturers without draining expenses or resources from City Departments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and the Common Council for the City of West Allis that the City Attorney be and is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a retention agreement with outside legal counsel for the purposes of handling litigation matters and/or lawsuit(s) between the City of West Allis and opiate manufacturers.
ADM/ORDRES/2019/AFR2019.31