DEPARTMENT: Attorney
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Agreement With West Publishing Corporation For Westlaw Legal Research Subscription
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the County Attorney to execute a purchase order agreement with West Publishing Corporation for a three-year subscription to Westlaw electronic legal research tools.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Attorney's Office (CAO) has used Westlaw PROFLEX electronic legal research solutions on a subscription basis since 2017 to access caselaw, statutes, federal code, jury instructions, secondary sources and other resources and tools to perform the duties of the CAO. The CAO last renewed the subscription in 2022 with a current monthly rate of $5,478.85. The current contract expires in October.
West Publishing Corporation’s newest legal research tool is Westlaw Precision with CoCounsel, providing AI-Assisted Research with faster search results and other enhanced researching tools.
The CAO desires to renew the subscription for another three- year period with the new researching tool at the rate of $7,354.00 for the first year and 1 percent annual increases thereafter. The subscription includes use for 46 attorneys.
The three-year cost of the subscription is $267,400.32. Executing the renewal prior to October allows the CAO to utilize the new functions under the current $5,478.85 monthly rate for remainder of the current contract term.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The CAO recommends authorizing the County Attorney to execute a purchase order agreement with West Publishing Corporation for a three-year subscription to Westlaw electronic legal research tools for a total amount not to exceed $267,400.32 for a three-year term.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
There are sufficient funds in the CAO budget for 2025 for this contract amendment. Costs associated with the contract for the three-year term after 2025 will be included County Manager recommended budget for the applicable year.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Dakota County Attorney's Office (CAO) has used Westlaw PROFLEX electronic legal research solutions on a subscription basis since 2017 to access caselaw, statutes, federal code, jury instructions, secondary sources and other resources and tools to perform the duties of the CAO; and
WHEREAS, the CAO renewed the subscription in 2019; and
WHEREAS, West Publishing Corporation’s newest legal research tool is Westlaw Precision with CoCounsel, providing AI-Assisted Research with faster search results and other enhanced researching tools; and
WHEREAS, the CAO desires to renew the subscription for another three-year period with the new researching tools at the rate of $7,354.00 for the first year and 1 percent annual increases thereafter for 46 attorneys; and
WHEREAS, the three-year cost of the subscription is $267,400.32; and
WHEREAS, executing the renewal prior to October allows the CAO to utilize the new functions under the current $5,478.85 monthly rate for remainder of the current contract term before the new three-year team begins.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Attorney to execute a purchase order agreement with West Publishing Corporation for a three-year subscription beginning in October to Westlaw electronic legal research tools for a total amount not to exceed $267,400.32, with the remainder of the current term of the contract billed at the current $5,478.85 monthly rate, subject to approval by the County Attorney's Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Order Form.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Tom Donely
Author: Tom Donely