Palm Coast to search for new law firm after 15 years

The search was prompted by City Attorney Neysa Borkert accepting a different position in-house at Garganese, Weiss, D’Agresta & Salzman, P.A.

By Sierra Williams
| 2:17 p.m. November 28, 2023

Palm Coast City Council members Vice Mayor Ed Danko, Theresa Carli Pontieri and Mayor David Alfin alongside City Attorney Neysa Borkert. Photo by Sierra WIlliams.

Palm Coast Observer
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Palm Coast will be looking for a new law firm to supply its legal counsel.

City Attorney Neysa Borkert has accepted another position in-house at Garganese, Weiss, D’Agresta & Salzman, P.A., Palm Coast's contracted law firm since 2008. Managing shareholder Anthony Garganese said the firm won't be able to supply a dedicated person to function as the city's attorney in place of Borkert.

Including Borkert, the firm was using between five to nine staff members over the last two years to fully support the city attorney position and the city's "robust schedule," Garganese said.

The City Council has the option to hire a new firm to replace Garganese, Weiss, D’Agresta & Salzman or to hire in-house counsel, like Flagler County has.

The City Council suggested talking to Flagler County Attorney Al Hadeed to learn more about what in-house legal counsel entails while Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston puts together a bid for new law firms. The bid period could take a minimum of 21-45 days.

Garganese said the firm will staff an attorney at the council meetings and continue to supply legal counsel for its specialty services during the transition period.

Borkert's final day with Palm Coast is Dec. 15.