Winston chairman will earn $1,300 an hour to represent Ferguson in Justice Department probe
Ferguson, Missouri, will pay the chairman of Winston & Strawn $1,335 an hour to represent the city in connection with a Justice Department probe that found “a pattern of unconstitutional policing” in the city.
Ferguson’s city council hired Chicago lawyer Dan Webb in a closed-door meeting March 27, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports in a story noted by the Chicago Tribune. His role will be to negotiate reforms or to litigate if no agreement is reached.
The Justice Department report followed the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer.
According to the engagement letter (PDF) signed by Webb, he will be the primary lawyer representing Ferguson in the matter, with the assistance of lawyer Jared Hasten, whose hourly billing rate is $680. Other legal professionals may also work on the case, with prior approval of the city.
Webb is a former U.S. Attorney who oversaw the Operation Greylord investigation into judicial corruption in Cook County, which includes Chicago. He has also represented Philip Morris, Microsoft and the New York Stock Exchange.
Extra word “Chicago” removed from second paragraph on May 6.
