On Friday, the board held an executive session — a closed door meeting — to discuss the hiring of the law firm.
Fernandez sued NMC and the four trustees — Janet King, Paz C. Younis, Frank Rabauliman and Andrew Orsini — who voted to fire her for breach of contract and wrongful termination.
NMC did not issue a statement regarding the contract with the law firm.
Also on Friday, King and Rabauliman were unanimously elected board chairwoman and treasurer.
Of the six regents, Maria T. Peter was the only one absent.
During their meeting, the regents discussed the need for unity among themselves.
The recent report from the accrediting commission in April criticized the board for its disagreements and splits.
Under NMC board policy, the chair and treasurer are elected every even-numbered year.
King and Rabauliman were first elected on Dec. 30, 2009, along with Younis, the vice chairwoman.
The board will hold an election for the vice chair next year.
It was Younis who moved for the re-election of King and Rabauliman, which was seconded by Regent Elaine Hocog Orilla.
There were no other nominees and the vote was unanimous.
Orsini was the other regent who attended the meeting, which will continue on July 30 at 3 p.m. in the regents’ conference room at the As Terlaje campus.
