Hans Ottinot, a prominent South Florida attorney, has been appointed this week as the interim city attorney for Lauderhill, a role that comes with a significant price tag for taxpayers. City records reveal that Ottinot will earn over $1 million annually in retainer fees.
Ottinot, who also serves as city attorney for Tamarac, officially began his tenure in Lauderhill on Tuesday following a swiftly convened meeting at City Hall the day prior. He replaces Angel Petti Rosenberg, Lauderhill's long-time city attorney, whose resignation took effect on Monday.
According to an agreement signed by Lauderhill's newly elected mayor, Denise Grant, Ottinot's law firm will receive a monthly retainer of $85,446.30. This appointment adds to Ottinot's existing responsibilities in Tamarac, where city records show he earns $600,000 annually in retainer fees, with additional compensation for hourly work on litigation, labor negotiations, real estate transactions, and utility issues.
Meanwhile, Rosenberg, who served Lauderhill for nearly three decades, will continue to receive approximately $35,000 per month for the next five months during a transition period. During this time, her firm will transfer all ongoing city casework to Ottinot's team.
"It is with mixed emotions that we move on and truly wish the City of Lauderhill the best in the future," Rosenberg wrote in her Dec. 13 resignation letter. She reflected on her 28 years of service, stating, "The City of Lauderhill has become a part of the fabric of my being." Rosenberg has not publicly disclosed the reasons for her resignation, and city officials have not commented on the matter.
Ottinot's contract with Lauderhill allows for additional billing flexibility, covering expenses such as investigative costs, court fees, mediator fees, and expert consultations, among others.
With this new appointment, Ottinot and his team, consisting of three to four attorneys, now represent the cities of Lauderhill, Tamarac, and the Broward Village of Lazy Lake, according to public records.