Legal Services Agreement Regarding Issues Regarding Port Of Seattle’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP)

The cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac have jointly hired the law firm Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl to challenge the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The firm will file a Petition for Review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, naming the FAA as the respondent. Under the agreement, SeaTac will receive and pay all legal invoices on behalf of the three cities, with legal fees starting with a $10,000 retainer and billed at $540 per hour for the lead attorney.

Notes

Engagement letter dated November 14, 2025 from attorney Steven M. Taber of Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl to the Cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac (collectively the ‘Clients’) establishing legal services agreement for filing and prosecuting a Petition for Review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit challenging the FAA’s FONSI/ROD for the Port of Seattle’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). Agreement follows signing of Interlocal Agreement (ILA) among the three cities; SeaTac designated as invoice recipient under the ILA. Billing rate is $540/hour for partner Steven Taber, $300-$400/hour for associates including Philip Kanarsh; $10,000 retainer required, deposited into California client trust account. Respondent in petition will be the FAA, with Port Of Seattle as potential intervenor.

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