a) Provide legal assistance, support, and representation as directed by NMHU in relation to financial losses resulting from the HPCC fire. b) Assess and quantify the financial impact of NMHU’s direct, indirect, and intangible losses associated with the fire, including but not limited to: lost revenue, missed growth opportunities, increased risk exposure, enrollment declines, and impacts on the campus community’s wellbeing. c) Develop and, if deemed necessary, pursue legal action against the United States Government, the U.S. Forest Service, FEMA, and/or the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office for any causes of action arising from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fires and the federal response to these events. d) Prepare, submit, and negotiate claims on behalf of NMHU through the HPCC Claims Office. e) Prepare, submit, and negotiate appeals through the FEMA Public Assistance Program. f) Participate in mediation and/or arbitration as required. g) Provide updates to NMHU officials, including the President, VPFA Office, and, when appropriate, the Board of Regents, on all matters related to this scope of work. h) Furnish NMHU with copies of all litigation correspondence and legal pleadings produced or received on its behalf, and promptly provide written notice of any pleadings, dispositive motions, rulings, hearings, trials, mediations, settlement discussions, or other legal events pertinent to this scope of work. i) Obtain prior written approval from NMHU before agreeing to any settlement or compromise of NMHU’s claims. NMHU reserves the exclusive right to accept or reject any proposed settlement or compromise.
