Title
Legal Services - Letter of Agreement to Extend Contract for Legal Services with Steptoe & Johnson, LLP (Ordinance S-50391)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a Letter of Agreement with Steptoe & Johnson, LLP (Steptoe), to continue to provide legal services, including reimbursement for costs associated with subject matter experts and consultants hired by outside counsel, to assist the City Attorney on legal issues related to the Department of Justice civil pattern and practice investigation. Request to continue using funds previously approved via Ordinance S-48214 and further request $500,000 in additional funds for an aggregate amount of $1,500,000. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The purpose of this Letter of Agreement is to continue legal services with Steptoe to assist the City on any legal issues related to the Department of Justice civil pattern and practice investigation. Such legal services shall include reimbursement for costs associated with subject matter experts and consultants hired by outside counsel. The Letter of Agreement is required to provide the City these services until June 30, 2024.
Procurement Information
Legal services are exempt from the Procurement Code. This Letter of Agreement is required to continue legal services critical to the City.
Contract Term
The term of the Letter of Agreement will begin on or about Dec. 6, 2023, and expire on June 30, 2024.
Financial Impact
Additional funds are required in the amount of $500,000. The aggregate amount of the Letter of Agreement will not exceed $1,500,000.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The City Council previously approved these legal services with Steptoe:
- Legal Services - Contract 155707 (Ordinance S-48214) on Dec. 15, 2021.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Jeffrey Barton and the Law Department.