To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOY A. FORD, CITY ATTORNEY
TITLE
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APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MANNING & KASS, RAMIREZ, TRESTER LLP
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Agreement for Legal Services with Manning & Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester LLP will amend the billing rates for the attorneys who will be working on legal matters.
BACKGROUND
Attorney Missy O’Linn and her team have represented the City of Redondo Beach since 1993. That representation started during the tenure of Jerry Goddard as City Attorney and has continued through the tenures of Chiefs of Police from Mel Nichols to current Chief Stephen Sprengel. Highlights of this 33 years of service include defense of numerous claims of civil rights violations, wrongful death, assault, battery, allegations of negligence, multiple K-9 incidents, vehicle pursuits and more.
In those 33 years, the firm has represented the City and the members of the Redondo Beach Police Department in over 140 incidents. Throughout the representation of the City in many high profile matters, the interests of the City and its police officers have been exceptionally well protected with case after case being dismissed at the pleadings stage as a result of motion proceedings, acquiescence by the plaintiffs, or in some cases by monetary settlement. In fact, the majority of the matters have been dismissed, settled for a waiver of costs and fees, or settled for either a nominal amount or a reasonable amount given the facts of the case.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the second amendment for continued services from Ms. O’Linn and her team.
COORDINATION
The Agreement has been approved by Manning & Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester LLP and has been approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
This amendment would change the partner rate from $275 to $300, the associate rate from $225 to $250, and the paralegal rate from $135 to $150 for non-appellate rates. Appellate rates are $320 an hour.
Submitted by:
Joy A. Ford, City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS
• Agreement