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Tampa Palms board picks its new lawyer
By SUSAN THURSTON TAMPA PALMS -- The Tampa Palms taxing board has a new lawyer. The Tampa Palms Community Development District on Wednesday hired Tampa attorney Rhea Law to represent the board of supervisors. She replaces Michael Cooke, who resigned a few months ago, citing other work obligations. Law comes from the large legal firm of Fowler White. She has 21 years' experience in land-use and zoning issues and has represented several community development districts, including Westchase's. She also serves as vice chairman of the University of South Florida's board of trustees. "Ms. Law really sets herself apart," said CDD chairman Mark Fitzpatrick. "She is entrenched in the community . . . and I think her presence would be an asset." At the board's urging, Law agreed to attend the monthly meetings for at least one year. After that, Fowler White attorneys Erin McCormick Larrinaga or Susan Johnson-Velez may represent the board. Law will cost Tampa Palms significantly more than Cooke and his firm of Carlton Fields in Tampa. She charges $275 an hour, compared to $165 for Carlton Fields, which was hired at a discounted rate about five years ago. Cooke came on as board attorney about two years ago. The taxpayer-funded CDD set aside $30,000 for attorney fees in 2000-01 and $20,000 in fiscal year 2001-02, which started Oct. 1. The board previously paid more in legal bills, largely because of a successful lawsuit filed by resident Bob Doran involving open-meeting laws. During the interview with board members, Law said she knows the ins and outs of the Sunshine Law and could advise the board on how to avoid violations. "I haven't had anyone challenge me on the Sunshine Law," she said. Law was one of three candidates who interviewed for the job. The others were Stephen Gardner of Bush, Ross, Gardner, Warren and Rudy, and Scott Steady of Williams Schifino. Board members selected Law based on her background and her firm's reputation and vast resources. Some also had concerns about hiring lawyers with connections to Tampa Palms. Steady represents the Tampa Palms Open Space and Transportation CDD; Gardner's firm represents the Tampa Palms Owners Association.
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