Cocoa Beach pension boards move to keep firm after attorney’s resignation; firm offers 25% fee cut

On March 30, the Cocoa Beach Fire and Police Pension Boards agreed to continue their relationship with the law firm Sugarman Susan after the firm's attorney Pedro Herrera resigned, the boards were told.

David Robinson of Sugarman Susan, who introduced himself as an attorney with 32 years at the firm, told trustees the resignation “does not in any way require you to make a decision” and that the firm had notified clients under a Florida Bar requirement. Robinson said the firm was offering “a 25% fee reduction” for two years to allow trustees to become familiar with him and the other attorneys he brought to the meeting.

The offer and the firm’s explanation came after trustees welcomed Dean as a new, commission-appointed trustee. Trustees asked whether Robinson would attend meetings in person; Robinson said he prefers personal presence, adding that remote attendance makes it harder to get a feel for what is happening in a meeting. Trustees expressed concern about past problems with the meeting sound system during remote appearances.

Board discussion then turned to how to respond to the firm’s notice and offer. The chair said the board could, by consensus, give the chair or the administrator authority to sign a retention letter, or make a formal motion. A trustee said, “I vote to move forward,” and a motion was made and seconded for the police side to retain the firm and authorize execution of the letter. The motion was carried by voice vote; the transcript does not record a numerical tally.

Trustees also confirmed their next meeting for May 5 at 3 p.m. and were reminded of financial-disclosure requirements for trustees; Dean confirmed he had completed his disclosure. The meeting then moved to adjournment.

What happens next: the board authorized the administrative step to accept the firm’s offer and proceed; if trustees later decide they do not wish to continue with Sugarman Susan they remain free to select alternate counsel, consistent with the Florida Bar notice Robinson referenced.