Title
Authorization to Enter into an Agreement with Steptoe & Johnson LLP to Provide Outside Counsel Services for Department of Justice (DOJ) Investigation (Ordinance S-48214)
Description
Request to authorize the City Attorney, through the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a legal services agreement with Steptoe & Johnson LLP to provide legal services to assist the City during the DOJ civil pattern and practice investigation, including any potential negotiation or litigation that may result from the investigation. Further authorize the City Controller to disburse funds related to this representation and agreement not to exceed $1,000,000.
Report
Summary
The City Attorney is authorized by the City Code to enter into agreements for legal services. Outside counsel will advise the City on any legal issues that arise in regard to the DOJ civil pattern and practice investigation according to the terms of the Agreement.
Procurement Information
Although the City Procurement Code exempts legal services from the requirement for a formal solicitation, a thorough process was completed for these legal services. The City Attorney's Office issued a Request for Proposals to all lawyers and law firms on the City's current outside counsel list, in addition to several firms that are not currently on the City's legal services list. Seven responses were evaluated by the DOJ legal civil attorneys project team. All responses were scored and a short list of five were interviewed. Two finalists were sent for a second interview with the DOJ executive team, consisting of the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Communications Director, Chief of Police, City Attorney and DOJ Project Manager.
Contract Term
The term of this agreement is for the duration of legal services, as required for the DOJ investigation, and any negotiation of any DOJ findings, court appearances or litigation related to the DOJ investigation, as needed and directed by the City.
Financial Impact
The contract value will not exceed $1,000,000 and funds are available in the Law Department's budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Jeffrey Barton and the Law Department.