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Ms. Susan Hoyt <br /> October 16, 1992 <br /> Page 2 <br /> a position or negotiating the terms of a contract on behalf of one party. Our role is <br /> simply to help the clients identify issues for negotiation and draft an agreement <br /> which reflects the results of those negotiations One obvious advantage to our <br /> clients in such cases is that the legal fees are substantially reduced since our time <br /> would be split among several clients <br /> Although we frequently act in the role of legal counsel for two municipal client <br /> simultaneously or as an intermediary between clients, we are very mindful of the <br /> potential for conflicts in such situations. We have no interest in committing ethical <br /> violations or damaging our long term relationships with our clients If either client <br /> wished for us to withdraw from our dealing with another client on a matter of mutual <br /> concern, we would do so. Moreover, even if the clients felt comfortable with our role <br /> involving two or more municipal clients, if we were not entirely comfortable that we <br /> could faithfully discharge our ethical obligations to each client, we would withdraw. <br /> Over the years we have withdrawn from representing, or have declined to represent, <br /> many clients because of a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest. <br /> However, I have discussed this issue with the other city attorneys in the firm, and <br /> none of us can recall a situation in which we were asked to withdraw or felt it <br /> appropriate to withdraw in a case involving any two of the cities we represent. <br /> We are very aware of the need to be extremely careful whenever our representation <br /> of one client touches on the interests of another, and to avoid situations in which <br /> there is a conflict, potential for conflict, or even the appearance of a conflict of <br /> interest. The city council is well advised to be sensitive to, and concerned about, <br /> the potential for conflicts. It is possible that a conflict could arise from our <br /> representation of Lauderdale; however, it is precisely because of our emphasis on <br /> representing public bodies that I believe the potential for conflicts for our public <br /> clients is so small. The vast majority of the work of our firm is for public bodies. <br /> We do very little work for developers, land owners, citizens of our client cities, or <br /> other such parties with whom there is a much higher probability of a conflict of <br /> interest. <br /> If you have any further questions about this issue, or we can provide you with any <br /> other information about our firm, please feel free to give me a call. <br /> Thank you, again, for your continued consideration of Holmes Graven. <br /> Very truly yours, <br /> Charles L. LeFevere <br /> CLL ckr <br /> CLL43206 <br /> FIRM -11 <br />