Town Council Considers Cost of In-House Legal Services Versus Contract Attorneys

The Town Council of Loxahatchee Groves convened on August 5, 2025, to discuss the potential transition from external legal services to an in-house legal department. The meeting focused on the financial implications and operational differences between hiring an external attorney versus employing a full-time attorney and paralegal.

The discussion began with a detailed breakdown of costs associated with both models. It was noted that hiring an external attorney, such as Mr. Kurtz at an hourly rate of $2.25, would total approximately $337,500 for 1,500 hours of work without benefits. In contrast, the in-house model, which includes salaries, benefits, and other costs, would amount to $310,000 for both an attorney and a paralegal. The council members debated the productivity of in-house employees, suggesting that they could provide more hours of service due to their presence in the office and involvement in various town meetings.

Council members expressed concerns about the clarity of previous budget presentations, particularly regarding the inclusion of benefits and other costs in the proposed figures. Some members felt that the budget did not adequately convey the full scope of expenses associated with the legal department.

The conversation also touched on the necessity of a paralegal in both models. Questions arose about whether a paralegal would be needed if the attorney were contracted externally, as opposed to being employed in-house. The attorney clarified that while a paralegal would enhance service levels in-house, the need for one in an external model would depend on the specific tasks required.

Several council members voiced their support for the in-house model, citing potential cost savings and improved service delivery. They proposed monitoring the legal department's expenses over the next six months to assess the effectiveness of the new structure, emphasizing that the council could reevaluate the decision if costs exceeded expectations.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further analysis and reporting on legal expenditures, ensuring that the council remains informed about the financial implications of their legal services model. The council plans to revisit the discussion in the coming months to evaluate the outcomes of the in-house legal department.