ATTORNEY GENERAL POLICY WV Attorney General Outlines Process For Hiring Private Counsel
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Mar. 21, 2013 10:27 AM EDT
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has outlined specific protocols and guidelines for when and how his office will contract with private lawyers.
During last fall's campaign, Morrisey consistently criticized his predecessor's use of outside counsel. Former Attorney General Darrell McGraw frequently hired outside lawyers for major cases, arguing they provided needed expertise.
Under the guidelines, Morrisey's office will provide written requests whenever it wishes to hire outside counsel. The office will outline why outside counsel is needed, how much time and labor will be required and then open the request to competitive bidding.
Two of the seven factors considered when reviewing bids will be cost related.
The new guidelines will be open for public comment starting on April 15, and are expected to go into effect in July.
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