The Asbury Park school district has entered into a new agreement for professional legal services.
The Board of Education at their June 12 meeting appointed Cooper Levenson April Niedelman & Wagenheim, P.A. as their new attorneys.
The vote was four in favor with four abstentions. Board members Christian Hall, Nicole Harris, Joseph Raines, Jr., and Qzeena Taylor voted in favor of the appointment. Board President Angela Ahbez-Anderson, Vice President Geneva Smallwood, Barbara Lesinski and former member Gregory J. Hopson, Sr. abstained. Former Board of Education member Gregory Brewington, who was still serving on the board at the time of the vote, was not present at the meeting.
Cooper Levenson April Niedelman & Wagenheim P.A. began their work in the district on July 1. They will serve the district until June 30, 2014, at a rate of $150 per hour for attorneys and $70 per hour for legal assistants, according to their agreement with the district.
The rate includes any expenses incurred for travel, phone, and routine copy services. The hourly rate does not cover any court filing fees, sheriff’s fees, court reporter expenses, fees associated with computerized legal research or other out-of-pocket expenses the firm may incur while providing legal services to the board.
Kim Belin will act as board solicitor, serving as general council at bi-weekly board meetings. Belin concentrates on matters of education law for school boards and administrators. She received both her bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from Rutgers University.
No health benefits will be provided by the district to Belin.
Cooper Levenson’s New Jersey offices are located in Atlantic City, Cherry Hill and Trenton. The firm also has offices in Pennsylvavia, Delaware and Nevada.
————————————————————
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook and Twitter.
