To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOY A. FORD, CITY ATTORNEY
TITLE
title
APPROVE AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH TECIA ANN BARTON AND ADD TECIA ANN BARTON TO THE CITY ATTORNEY’S APPROVED ATTORNEY LIST
APPROVE AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH SIANNAH COLLADO AND ADD SIANNAH COLLADO TO THE CITY ATTORNEY’S APPROVED ATTORNEY LIST
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Attorney’s office maintains a list of approved law firms and attorneys from which to select outside counsel when special expertise is required in legal matters related to the prosecution function of the Office. The two agreements will add Ms. Tecia Ann Barton and Ms. Siannah Collado to the City Attorney’s approved law firm list and they will be utilized as needed.
BACKGROUND
The current City Prosecutor Melanie Chavira, is scheduled to leave the office on August 22, 2025. Until that position is filled, the office will be experiencing a staffing shortage. In order to continue to fulfill the office’s ability to successfully prosecute misdemeanors in the City, contract attorneys will be required to assist with any staffing shortages.
Tecia Ann Barton is an experienced attorney with almost 30 years in practice. She has extensive experience in criminal law and courtroom procedures.
Siannah Collado is a truly exceptional attorney with 17 years of courtroom experience, with eight years as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney.
Both Ms. Barton and Ms. Collado are willing to provide legal services to the prosecution side of the City Attorney’s Office, as needed, on an hourly basis. Their hourly rate of $125.00 for court appearances is extremely cost effective compared to most outside legal counsel.
COORDINATION
Both Agreements have been approved by Tecia Ann Barton, Siannah Collado and the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are set aside in the City Attorney’s Prosecution Budget for the use of outside counsel. Additionally, funding will be available from the vacancy of one position. The approval of this contract will not increase the use of outside counsel but merely provide an additional option in selecting an attorney to be used when there is a need.
Submitted by:
Joy A. Ford, City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS
• Agreement for Legal Services: Tecia Ann Barton
• Agreement for Legal Services: Siannah Collado