Memorandum
Date: August 26, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Lloyd C. Guintivano, County Counsel
Carlos Torrez, Senior Deputy County Counsel
Subject: (a) Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement to Services Contract Between the County of Lake and Mitchell Hauptman for Indigent Defense Services and authorize the Board Chair to Sign; and (b) Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement to Services Contract Between the County of Lake and William Conwell for Indigent Defense Services and authorize the Board Chair to Sign
Executive Summary:
There has always been the need for contract attorneys in this County. While the Public Defender’s office continues to grow and solidify, we as the County have relied upon experienced local attorneys to act as conflict counsel and to represent defendants in cases that speak to their expertise.
To that end we have had a fruitful relationship with William Conwell and Mitch Hauptman who have for over a year now served as either conflict counsel, or as primary counsel in major felony cases.
Originally contracted for $49k each (July 2024), and then amended for both to $98K each (March 2025), we are seeking a further increase to $125k each. An increase of $27k each or $54k in total of possible compensation. Both have served competently and in good faith.
For Mr. Hauptman this represents an amount sufficient to finish out his present cases, ending our contractual relationship. For Mr. Conwell this amount satisfies his current bill and is enough to continue to serve while the County and Public Defenders office navigate towards assuming these roles.
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Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
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Recommended Action:
(a) Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement to Services Contract Between the County of Lake and Mitchell Hauptman for Indigent Defense Services, and authorize the Board Chair to Sign.
(b) Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement to Services Contract Between the County of Lake and William Conwell for Indigent Defense Services, and authorize the Board Chair to Sign.