Law Firm May Lose Contract With County

A private law firm that defended clients in some of the biggest murder trials of the last two decades may be losing its county contract to a San Joaquin Valley law firm that is offering to do the job at half the cost.

Partners in Conflict Defense Associates said they were told late Thursday that judges appear to favor a county committee’s decision to ask the Board of Supervisors to bring in John A. Barker & Associates to handle cases ranging from petty theft to murder.

James Farley, a founding partner of Conflict Defense Associates, said he was told in a meeting with Superior Court Presiding Judge Charles Campbell and Assistant Presiding Judge Bruce Clark that Barker’s Madera-based firm will be approved because Barker is proposing to provide legal services for $1.1 million--less than half the $2.4-million bid made by Conflict Defense Associates.

“There is no way I could have met their bid and offer what I call adequate representation,” said Farley, who seemed stunned by the possibility that his firm might be removed after serving the county for 18 years.

He and his partner, Willard Wiksell, have built their careers around the county contract, representing defendants in numerous high-profile murder cases. The firm handles about 375 felony and 500 misdemeanor cases annually.

“Eighteen years and we are thrown to the side without even a chance to talk,” Farley said. “I expected a little bit more.”

Courthouse sources said the judges have not met to discuss the issue. But it is widely anticipated that a county committee reviewing the contracts will recommend that it be given to Barker & Associates and that the judges will go agree.