On April 17, 2008, the New Orleans City Council passed Motion M-08-186 authored by Council members James Carter, Shelley Midura, Cynthia Williard-Lewis and Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, to retain Herman, Herman, Katz & Cotlar as Special Counsel. The Council's Competitive Selection Committee considered and evaluated several firms' proposals before making its recommendation to engage the services of Herman, Herman, Katz & Cotlar. Competitive Selection Committee Chair Councilmember James Carter said, "We are excited as a Council to make this announcement and look forward to working together with Herman, Herman, Katz & Cotlar."