To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOY A. FORD, CITY ATTORNEY CHERYL PARK, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
TITLE
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FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH COLANTUONO HIGHSMITH & WHATLEY PC
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve First Amendment to Agreement for Legal Services with Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Attorney’s office maintains a list of approved law firms and attorneys from which to select when special expertise is required on legal matters. There is a need to amend the existing Agreement for Legal Services because Dr. Jonathan Kramer, formerly with Telecom Law Firm P.C., and his two firm attorneys have joined the firm of Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC. If this First Amendment to Agreement for Legal Services is approved, Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC will provide the very niche legal services previously provided by Telecom Law Firm P.C. for the City of Redondo Beach without any break in continuity services or institutional memory.
BACKGROUND
Dr. Jonathan Kramer, Esq. has been providing very unique services to the City for the past 20 years. Dr. Kramer has over 40 years of telecommunications engineering experience and, since 2013, has provided the City with legal services related to wireless communications, cable TV, broadband, fiber technology, right-of-way technology and management and internet domains. Prior to 2013, Dr. Kramer served the City as a telecom technology advisor (dating back to about 1995). In order to continue to receive this highly specialized legal service for the City, the First Amendment is provided for the City Council’s consideration and approval. At the same time that the proposed First Amendment with Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley is approved, the City will terminate its current contract with Telecom Law Firm.
COORDINATION
The First Amendment to Agreement for Legal Services has been approved by Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC and the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will continue to compensate for Dr. Kramer’s services at the hourly rate of $395; paralegals and legal assistants at the hourly rate of $155 - $210; and law clerks at the hourly rate of $235. These rates shall increase by 3% on April 18, 2026. Any further requests for rate increases will have to be agreed upon by the parties and a subsequent amendment approved by the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
• First Amendment to Agreement for Legal Services with Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC
• Agreement for Legal Services with Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC