NEW ORLEANS AP – The city of New Orleans has hired outside counsel for matters including records retention and procurement laws and cooperation with state or federal inquiries.

The contract with law firm Kelley Drye & Warren LLP was signed in late July and calls for at least two of the firm’s Washington, D.C.-based attorneys to do the work, at a maximum cost of $15,000. Its terms run from Aug. 1 through October, with an option of an extension.