UNC’s expensive outside counsel criticized

The Daily Tar Heel has published an article on criticism of UNC-Chapel Hill’s decision to hire an expensive, New York City-based law firm. The firm was hired to assist with representation in a public records lawsuit filed by SMVT on behalf of a coalition of media organizations to uncover records related to the Wainstein report.

Typically, in order to hire outside counsel, the University sends notice to the Attorney General’s office first. In this case, the letter was sent only one day before the case went to mediation (where it was ultimately resolved). The law firm, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, was ultimately approved by the AG for other lawsuits related to the Wainstein report and will charge as much a $990 an hour for their services.

The paper quotes SMVT partner and former DTH editor, Hugh Stevens:

Hugh Stevens, a UNC alumnus and attorney for North Carolina-based Stevens Martin Vaughn & Tadych, PLLC, hopes the individual ultimately selected for the general counsel position has an understanding of UNC’s role and obligations in North Carolina.

“I know there are some very qualified people right under the noses of our administration,” he said. “I could name one or two people in the law school who could do an excellent job.”

…

Stevens said he’s confused why UNC would go out of state for its legal help.

“In talking with people I keep hearing the questions: ‘Wasn’t there anyone in North Carolina capable of handling this work for the University — someone with North Carolina ties who would have an understanding of the University and its culture?’” said Stevens, who serves as outside counsel to The Daily Tar Heel, The News & Observer and WRAL.

You can read the full article here.