Douglas County School Board Legal Fees
Here you can find up-to-date information on Legal Fees that have been accumulated due to the board majority hiring Joey Gilbert Law as legal counsel.
TOTAL AMOUNT BILLED IN 8 MONTHS (AUG 2023-MAR 2024)
$292,459.27
Nope, you aren't reading that incorrectly! Joey Gilbert Law, who was approved by David Burns, Susan Jansen, Katherine Dickerson, & Doug Englekirk, has billed almost $300k in 8 months in just legal fees, with the highest month being Sept 2023 at an astonishing $74,056.60. Is this really the best use of district funds? We don't think so.
*Updated Apr 6.
THE COST OF 'FIGHTING' FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
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The blue represents the previous legal counsel Maupin, Cox, and LeGoy's average FY19-23 Billing.
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The red represents Joey Gilbert Law's billing since August of 2023.
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In just 8 months Joey Gilbert Law has billed the DCSD a staggering $292,459.27. Concerning isn't it?
Source: Douglas County School District monthly Accounts Payable Special and Regular Run Voucher reports and other budget reports.
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Maupin, Cox, and LeGoy represented Douglas County School District for 28 years before being
fired by David Burns, Katherine Dickerson, Doug Englekirk, and Susan Jansen. -
Joey Gilbert Law credited the District $33,329.17 for incorrect billing of the retainer and travel, as well as a reduction in charges for administrative staffhourly rate. This was credited toward the October bill of $53,368.16, and that is why it appears significantly lower than the other six months.
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These errors most likely would have gone undiscovered if not for questions from Trustee Gilkerson and members of the public.
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The school district’s previous legal counsel, Maupin, Cox, and LeGoy had a $5,000 monthly retainer and billed $225 per hour for work beyond it; Gilbert Law has a $7,500 monthly retainer and bills $325 per hour for work beyond it.
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The school district has adjusted its 2023-24 general fund budget for legal services from $143,500 to $450,000, a 213% increase.
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When David Burns, Katherine Dickerson, Doug Englekirk, and Susan Jansen voted to hire Joey Gilbert Law, many community members expressed concerns that the district’s legal costs would increase and the quality of legal representation would decrease.
