Snyder says law firm to focus on Flint emails, documents

(AP) — A spokesman for Gov. Rick Snyder said Thursday that a law firm hired to help the governor cooperate with criminal probes stemming from Flint's lead-contaminated water crisis will focus primarily on searching and processing emails and state documents sought by investigators.

An "engagement letter" from Warner, Norcross & Judd of Grand Rapids to Snyder says it will provide "legal advice and representation" related to investigations undertaken by the U.S. Justice Department, state attorney general and Genesee County.

Another contract, worth up to $400,000, is with Detroit-based Barris, Scott, Denn & Drinker, so three attorneys can serve as special assistant attorneys general — providing representation and advice to Snyder in civil lawsuits and federal, state and local civil probes.

Snyder has apologized for regulatory failures while the city was under state emergency financial management, which led to a decision to not add anti-corrosion chemicals when Flint's water source was switched from a Detroit-area system to the Flint River in 2014.