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STAFF REPORT
Administrative Services Department
DATE: June 18, 2013
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Hue C. Quach, Administrative Services Director
Heather McDowell, Senior Human Resources Analyst
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT FOR PERSONNEL RELATED LEGAL SERVICES WITH
LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$52,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 -14
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an
agreement for personnel legal services with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore in an amount not
to exceed $52,000 for Fiscal Year 2013 -14.
DISCUSSION
The City has had an agreement for personnel legal services with the law firms of Liebert
Cassidy Whitmore for many years. Many employment legal matters require access to
more than one attorney or firm. As an example, when a personnel investigation is
required, it is imperative that an independent attorney that will not ultimately be
defending the City in an administrative appeal or in a lawsuit be retained. This
agreement provides access to services on an as needed basis. Staff has been pleased
with the experience and services Liebert Cassidy Whitmore has provided and wishes to
continue the existing agreement with this firm.
Liebert Cassidy Whitmore provides a variety of employer - employee relations legal
services including advice on labor relations issues, defending the City in grievance and
disciplinary appeal hearings, and litigation defense. The expertise and services this firm
has provided have been invaluable and have been of great assistance to the Human
Resources Division. Specifically, the depth and diversity of their experience, coupled
with their ability to provide practical applications to the myriad of laws in this area, has
proven extremely helpful, and give reason to continue the existing agreement.
Agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
June 18, 2013
Page 2 of 2
The current billing rates for Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (Attorneys at $180 - $300 /hr and
Paraprofessionals at $70- $140 /hr) have not increased since 2006. These rates will
remain the same during the term of the new agreement, which will expire June 30,
2014.
It is recommended the City Council authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an
agreement for personnel legal services with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore in an amount not
to exceed $52,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adequate funding has been allocated in the Fiscal Year 2013 -14 Budget for the
agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize and direct the City Manager to
execute an agreement for personnel related legal services with Liebert Cassidy
Whitmore in an amount not to exceed $52,000 for Fiscal Year 2013 -14.
Approved.
Dominic Lazza
City Manager