An Atlanta-based law firm has been selected to investigate harassment allegations against members of the Hogsett administration.
An investigative committee made up of seven city-county councilors voted unanimously Oct. 9 to begin contract negotiations with Fisher Phillips. The law firm was selected because it appears to not have any business, financial or political ties to the city of Indianapolis.
One of the largest national law firms in the area of labor and employment, its attorneys have experience investigating “discrimination, harassment, retaliation, threats and workplace violence,” both in the public and private sectors. The firm has 39 offices and 600 attorneys nationwide.
Three partners, two associates and one paralegal would be assigned to the case, according to a proposal the firm prepared for the committee. The partners’ rate is $595 hourly, while the two associates charge $495 an hour and a paralegal would work at a $295 hourly rate.
The City-County Council launched the investigation after three women spoke to Mirror Indy and IndyStar about feeling trapped and victimized by Thomas Cook, former chief of staff to Mayor Joe Hogsett. IndyStar published a follow-up report in September that described a toxic work culture at the City-County Building.
The law firm is expected to present its findings to the committee by Feb. 28.
Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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