Law firm connected to ethics probe could get more city money
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A Denver law firm at the center of an ethics investigation involving City Attorney Miko Brown is poised to get another $500,000 from the city.
Why it matters: Brown says the contract with Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell is vital to defending the city against two employee lawsuits.
- But the proposed contract increase comes as Denver's ethics board investigates how the firm was selected.
Driving the news: A Denver City Council committee on Tuesday advanced the $500,000 increase, which would bring the firm's contract to $970,000.
- That money would pay for work involving two separate lawsuits filed by current and former city employees.
Catch up quick: The Board of Ethics is investigating a complaint over the City Attorney's Office's decision to hire Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell, a spokesperson confirms.
- The complaint alleges potential conflicts of interest involving Brown, who worked at the law firm from 2007 to 2017 and became city attorney in November 2025.
- The contract increase advanced Tuesday is referenced in the complaint, documents obtained by Axios Denver through a public records request show.
Zoom in: Brown told a council committee Tuesday that no conflict exists.
- While she says a five-person panel including herself picked the firm, she cast the final vote in favor, which didn't affect the unanimous outcome. She says the firm has worked for the city since 2011.
Caveat: The board's decision to investigate doesn't mean Brown violated the city's ethics code.
The other side: Councilmember Stacie Gilmore criticized Brown for participating in the panel vote.
- Gilmore unsuccessfully tried to postpone the contract increase before it moves to the full council, saying she wanted more details about the agreement.
Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell did not respond to Axios' immediate request for comment on Tuesday.
Zoom out: A separate anonymous complaint investigated by the ethics board involves legal work at Denver International Airport, records show.
What's next: The full council is expected to vote on the contract on Sept. 28.