CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE
CITY COUNCIL
TO: Marisa C. Vargas, City Auditor
Peter Pacheco, Interim Inspector General
FROM: Brook Bassan, Council President
SUBJECT: Request for Immediate Review of City Attorney Conduct and Compliance with Conflict-of-Interest Requirements in Mayor v. City Council Litigation
DATE: December 12, 2025
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Request for Immediate Review of City Attorney Conduct and Compliance with Conflict-of-Interest Requirements in Mayor v. City Council Litigation
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Pursuant to Article V, Section 4(e)(3) of the City of Albuquerque Charter, the Albuquerque City Council respectfully requests that the Office of Internal Audit and the Office of the Inspector General initiate an immediate independent review of the conduct of City Attorney Lauren Keefe in connection with her involvement in litigation initiated by the Mayor against the City Council. (D-202-CV-2025-02459; ICC 01-2025; and LB-25-07, including respective appeals, collectively referred to as "Mayor v. City Council litigation").
Upon information and belief, City Attorney Lauren Keefe, who, by law, serves as attorney to both the Mayor and the City Council, participated in litigation against the City Council, despite the existence of an acknowledged and disqualifying conflict of interest. If substantiated, this conduct would constitute a violation of City law, City Charter, and the Rules of Professional Conduct, undermine the integrity of the City's legal representation, and establish cause for removal from office.
Role and Legal Obligations of the City Attorney
The City Attorney provides legal representation and legal advice to the City of Albuquerque, including both the Mayor and the City Council. "The City Attorney, both personally and through his or her assistant city attorneys, shall represent the city in the courts. He or she shall also advise the Mayor and the Council as to legal matters." ROA 1994, ? 2-7-2-2. The City's Code of Resolutions further specifies that "Th...
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