Outside Legal Services for the Office of Integrity

The City of Pontiac’s Office of Integrity is seeking to secure qualified outside legal services to provide independent legal counsel concerning governmental ethics, public integrity, conflicts of interest, and related municipal governance matters. The selected attorney or law firm will provide legal research, analysis, advice, document review, and other professional services necessary to assist the Office of Integrity and authorized City representatives.

The engagement is also expected to include legal review and guidance concerning potential revisions to the City Charter and other governing documents related to the structure, authority, responsibilities, independence, and operation of the City’s Ethics Department. The specific legal questions, priorities, work assignments, reporting expectations, and anticipated deliverables will be further defined during the project kickoff meeting and through subsequent written direction from the City.

The Office of Integrity supports the City’s efforts to promote ethical government, accountability, transparency, compliance, and public confidence in municipal operations. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Office may encounter matters requiring legal advice that is independent from the City departments, officials, or personnel whose duties or interests may be connected to the matter under review.

The City therefore intends to retain outside legal counsel with experience in municipal law, governmental ethics, conflicts of interest, public integrity, and Charter or ordinance review. Outside counsel may be asked to evaluate applicable laws, City Charter provisions, ordinances, policies, procedures, reporting relationships, and ethical requirements; provide advice regarding actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest; and recommend appropriate legal, procedural, or governance measures.

The City has not reached any predetermined conclusion regarding the existence of a conflict of interest, ethical violation, legal violation, or improper conduct. Services shall be performed independently and objectively, and any additional review, corrective action, referral, representation, or related legal work arising from the engagement will be undertaken only upon authorization by the City.