He said the law firm of Cabot Mantanona has an office on Saipan, and one of its principal attorneys is John Aguon who is licensed to practice in the CNMI.
Aguon is a former CNMI assistant attorney general, he added.
Orsini said the legal services of the firm were procured consistent with NMC policies and procedures.
NMC interim President Lorraine T. Cabrera also justified the hiring of Cabot Mantanona.
“The law firm of Cabot Mantanona has successfully represented many of the region’s companies and organizations,” she said.
Cabrera said the experience of the law firm in representing institutions of higher education like Guam Community College and the University of Guam “is especially advantageous to NMC.”
Orsini said the law firm was retained by NMC because it possessed extensive experience and specialized expertise in government and business litigation, higher education representation, and federal claims Title VII.
“The firm also has experience in financial services, real estate, probate, and other areas of law,” he explained.
He said former Lt. Gov. Jesus C. Borja, the board’s legal counsel, continues to provide legal guidance and advice to the college in many capacities, including the legal review of contracts, rendering legal opinions, and drafting legal documents as requested by the president and the board.
Borja is also a former Supreme Court associate justice.
Cabot Mantanona, for its part, will assist in bringing resolution to urgent, legal matters facing the college, including Fernandez’s case, Orsini said.
“The newly retained firm does not replace the legal services provided by attorney Borja,” he said.
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