City hires law firm to assist Memorial negotiations

Colorado Springs city attorney Chris Melcher has hired the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP to assist in the negotiations to lease Memorial Health System to University of Colorado Health. Fulbright & Jaworski is an international firm with more than 900 lawyers.

Fulbright Health Care Partner James G. Wiehl will lead the firm’s team. Wiehl brings more than 30 years of experience in representing hospitals and health systems. Melcher said he hopes to begin discussions with University "immediately."

In December, a city task force unanimously recommended leasing Memorial to University of Colorado Hospital, which has since signed a joint operating agreement with Fort Collins-based Poudre Valley Health System to create University of Colorado Health.

University has agreed to pay all of the city’s costs for leasing process, including Fulbright’s contract, the budget for which hasn’t been set yet. Melcher is authorized in the city charter to seek outside counsel when needed.

Any lease agreement would have to be approved by voters.