City Hires New Law Firm; Lead Attorney Stays On Board

The Manassas City Council voted 5-1 at the September 12 regularly scheduled meeting to hire Vanderpool, Frostick, and Nishanian, P.C. as the city law firm.

The city's contract with current Manassas law firm Smith and Davenport will expire on September 30 of this year.

Martin Crim, who took over as lead city attorney after Robert W. Bendall retired earlier this year, will part ways with Smith and Davenport at the end of the month and begin working with VF&N as lead attorney, according to city documents.

City council members and manager reviewed several proposals from law firms over a five-week span, and narrowed their choice, identifying VF&N as their top choice.

The city's attorney-related fees will remain the same. According to a letter from VF&N to council members,  the firm will charge the city $200 per hour for attorney fees and $75 per hour for paralegal services. There will be no fees for secretarial services. 

According to the letter, VF&N will also keep the current monthly retainer of $905 to cover council meetings, which is consistent with the Smith and Davenport contract.

The fees will remain the same for 12 months, but will increase by three percent on an annual basis under the new contract. 

Crim served for 20 years as deputy city attorney for Manassas before becoming lead attorney. Manassas City Vice Mayor Andrew Harrover told the News and Messenger recently the city would benefit from Crim's experience.