St. Paul Hires Outside Lawyers in Mayor’s Harassment Case

St. Paul will pay an outside law firm to temporarily defend Mayor Kaohly Her and the city in a lawsuit filed by Police Chief Axel Henry.

The City Council approved Fisher and Phillips as interim counsel Wednesday, with hourly charges of up to $500.

Henry alleges sexual harassment and retaliation. The city says an earlier investigation did not substantiate those allegations.
The legal costs will come from the general fund as St. Paul faces a projected $26 million budget deficit. The council expects to revisit its legal arrangements next week.