A recent New York Law Journal story, by Christine Simmons, “Contracts Outline $11M in Fees to Firms in DeBlasio Investigations,” reports that law firms advising New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his aides in investigations are getting center attention as the city's legal bills are adding up.

Press reports in the last week detailed that the city has agreed to pay more than $11.6 million in legal fees amid investigations into City Hall's fundraising practices, such as whether the mayor or his aides undertook favors for donors in exchange for contributions.

The law firm contracts, several obtained by the New York Law Journal through FOIL requests, refer to a "John Doe" investigation.  Some contracts refer to legal services related to investigations by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the city's Department of Investigation, while others only refer to representing a "city employee" in grand jury subpoenas or interviews.

Debevoise & Plimpton has the lion's share of the fees, with a $10 million contract.  The firm contract, signed by Debevoise partner Matthew Fishbein in October, shows the city's law department agreed to pay $850 an hour for Debevoise partners and $575 for associates.

Carter Ledyard & Milburn has a $750,000 contract, signed in October by partner G. Michael Bellinger.  The city has agreed to pay Bellinger $750 per hour; $600 for other partners; and $350 for associates.

The city has agreed to pay Cunningham Levy Muse, an eight-attorney white-collar defense boutique in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, up to $200,000, including $550 an hour for partners and $350 an hour for associates, according to an October contract signed by partner Joshua Levy.  Meanwhile, Paul Bergman, who runs his own firm in New York, has a $99,000 contract, including $450 an hour for Bergman.

In addition, the city will pay Walden Macht & Haran up to $350,000 and Lankler Siffert & Wohl up to $250,000, according to reports by the New York Daily News and The New York Times