Houston chooses Wasilla law firm

HOUSTON — The city has hired a new law firm to conduct its legal affairs.

According to Mayor Roger Purcell, the city council voted Thursdayto award Denali Law Group the contract for legal counsel.

Denali Law Group is based in Wasilla. Jon-Marc Petersen and Richard Payne, both former prosecutors with the Palmer District Attorney’s Office, man the office.

Purcell said Denali was the best firm that applied for a number of reasons. First of all, he said, he liked the idea of contracting with a local firm. Past city attorneys have come from Anchorage law firms.

Second, he said, he liked their record.

“I was impressed with the way they handled the Wasilla investigation,” Purcell said, referring to the investigation surrounding how outgoing Wasilla Mayor Diane Keller dealt with Meritage Development Inc. The report found Keller acted inappropriately but not in a way likely to be prosecuted in court.

And, Purcell said, he thinks the lawyers share his view of Houston – that it’s a dynamic city with growth ahead that will require talented professionals.

Purcell said the contract would likely be a small one – more than three hours of billable time per month might be pushing it.

“We have a couple of issues coming up that their expertise will fall into very well,” Purcell said, but wouldn’t get into the specifics.

Payne, for his part, agreed the contract likely wouldn’t bring tons of revenue to his firm.

His goal, he said, will be to remain, “mindful of where the money is coming from and that these people don’t want their money spent on lawsuits.”

So far, he said, he hasn’t set up a time for Purcell or the council to bring him up to speed on the city’s legal issues. He was at Thursday’s council meeting, he said, to introduce himself, but couldn’t stay for the duration.

“I’d worked really late the last three or four days in a row and hadn’t seen the kids much.”

Payne said his law experience includes five years as a city attorney in Anchorage, something that will help him when working with Houston.

Taking on a local contract was very appealing to him.

“We want to be deep-rooted in this community,” he said.

He has friends in Houston, enjoys visiting the area, and said the chance to work with the city was enticing.

“I’d love to be a part of Houston,” he said.

Contact Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.