To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOY A. FORD, CITY ATTORNEY
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APPROVE THE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH KANE, BALLMER & BERKMAN, A LAW CORPORATION
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City maintains a list of approved law firms and attorneys from which to select outside counsel when specialized expertise is needed. This Agreement for Legal Services (“Agreement”) will add Kane, Ballmer & Berkman, a law corporation (“KBB”) to the City’s approved outside counsel list and allow the firm to provide legal services assigned by the City Attorney’s Office on an as-needed basis.
BACKGROUND
KBB has represented cities and other public agencies throughout California for more than 60 years. The firm’s practice includes municipal law, real estate, land use, redevelopment, and affordable housing.
Susan Apy, a principal with KBB, will serve as the City’s primary contact. She has extensive experience representing public agencies, with a focus on real estate and development matters, including property acquisitions and dispositions, development agreements, ground leases, easements, and affordable housing transactions.
Adding KBB to the City's approved outside counsel list will allow the City Attorney's Office to use the firm's services for real estate and development matters as needed. Legal services will be assigned solely at the discretion of the City Attorney on an as-needed basis.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney’s Office negotiated an hourly rate of $350 for Susan Apy’s services. The City Attorney’s Office approved the Agreement as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are set aside in the City Attorney’s budget for outside counsel services. The firm’s hourly rate schedule is set forth in Exhibit A to the Agreement. Legal services will be authorized and paid for on an as-needed basis.
Submitted by:
Joy A. Ford, City Attorney
ATTACHMENT
• Agreement for Legal Services with Kane, Ballmer & Berkman, a law corporation