MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Saint Paul Hires Second Outside Law Firm as Legal Costs Mount in Mayor Kaohly Her and Police Chief Axel Henry Dispute

The Saint Paul City Council has authorized another outside law firm to determine whether taxpayers must cover Mayor Kaohly Her's legal defense in a lawsuit brought by Police Chief Axel Henry, adding a new financial dimension to a dispute that has already strained City Hall.

ST. PAUL, MN (October 9, 2026).

Saint Paul taxpayers face additional legal expenses as the City Council works through the consequences of a lawsuit filed by Police Chief Axel Henry against Mayor Kaohly Her and the city, a dispute involving allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation that has raised difficult questions about workplace conduct, municipal responsibility and public accountability.

On Wednesday, October 7, the council approved the appointment of Greene Espel as special counsel to advise the city on whether Minnesota law requires it to provide legal defense and indemnification for the mayor. The determination will be made under Minnesota Statutes Section 466.07, which addresses the circumstances under which a governmental entity must defend or indemnify its officers and employees.

The decision follows the council's earlier approval of Fisher Phillips to represent the city and mayor in the litigation. According to Minnesota Public Radio, Fisher Phillips may charge up to $500 per hour, while Greene Espel's public-sector rate is capped at $325 per hour.

The distinction between the firms' assignments is important. Fisher Phillips was retained for litigation defense. Greene Espel is being asked to examine whether the city has a legal obligation to pay for the mayor's defense. Its appointment does not itself establish that Saint Paul must cover every expense arising from the lawsuit.

The Findings Behind the Dispute

Henry's lawsuit alleges that he experienced sexual harassment and retaliation. Those allegations remain contested and have not been resolved by a court.

An outside investigation commissioned by the city reached a different conclusion on the central allegations. Investigators found that Her had engaged in offensive and inappropriate conduct with city employees and created an uncomfortable workplace environment, but did not substantiate sexual harassment or retaliation.

The distinction is significant. The investigative findings raise questions about professional conduct and workplace expectations, while the lawsuit presents legal claims that must be evaluated through the judicial process.

The lawsuit had not yet been assigned a hearing date when MPR reported the latest council action.

The Cost to Saint Paul

The dispute is unfolding while Saint Paul confronts financial pressures of its own. Council President Rebecca Noecker has expressed frustration that city resources must be directed toward outside legal counsel rather than other municipal needs.

The legal expenses are expected to come from the city's general fund, according to MPR's reporting. That means the financial implications extend beyond the officials directly involved.

The full eventual cost is not yet known. Hourly billing rates establish the potential expense of legal services, but do not reveal the total amount the city will ultimately pay.

For residents, the unanswered questions include how long the litigation will continue, whether additional counsel will be necessary and whether the city will ultimately be responsible for the mayor's defense costs.

A Test of City Hall's Ability to Govern

The controversy has also created a difficult leadership challenge. The mayor and police chief occupy positions that require sustained cooperation on public safety, departmental administration and the city's broader priorities.

Whatever the eventual legal outcome, the city must continue providing essential services while officials work through the breakdown in that relationship.

The council's decision to seek a separate legal opinion acknowledges that the city's financial obligations cannot simply be assumed. Those obligations must be examined under the applicable law.

For Saint Paul residents, the next important development will be Greene Espel's determination and any subsequent council action concerning the mayor's legal defense.

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