The open meetings law makes an exception for meetings protected by attorney-client privilege.

"We do not concede that there was a violation of the open meetings law," she said.

"But even if there was, most courts do not invalidate activity even if they find the open meetings law was violated."

"And we will have lawyers advising the chairwoman about the provisions of the open meetings law during the meeting."

In addition to litigation responsibilities, Falk provided advice and assistance to government officials and citizens with inquiries about the state's open meetings law.

The judge did, however, order the city to pay the fees of the taxi groups' lawyers as punishment for violating the open meetings law.

They also objected to the lottery board's exemption from open records and open meetings laws.

"We fully complied with the open meetings law," Herman Badillo, the vice chairman of the board, said after the meeting.

To comply with the state's open meetings law, they held all deliberations in public.

The Democrats argue that the conference committee violated the open meetings law by not allowing enough time from the notice of the meeting until the vote.