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January 20, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Agreement: Approve a Third Amendment to the Agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to Provide Legal Services
Report Number: 26-0037
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Attorney
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: Yes
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving an amendment to the Legal Services Agreement (LSA) with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $50,000 to $100,000 and to extend the LSA to January 16, 2027.
SUMMARY
The City Attorney’s Office provides legal review, advice, consultation, and representation on a wide variety of legal issues and litigation related to City operations. This third amendment will allow the City to continue to use the law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for certain legal services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with CEQA and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
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DISCUSSION
The City Attorney’s Office provides a wide variety of legal services to the City, including legal review, advice, consultation, and representation on diverse matters impacting the City, including its officials, management, and departments.
The City Attorney’s Office has utilized private law firms to assist in managing the City’s legal needs. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore has provided legal services on behalf of the City pursuant to a Legal Services Agreement (“LSA”) effective January 17, 2023, as amended by the First Amendment to the LSA on July 1, 2024 and the Second Amendment on January 17, 2025.
This proposed Third Amendment to the LSA with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore will increase the not-to-exceed amount on the LSA from $50,000 to $100,000 and extend the LSA to January 16, 2027. The costs of this Third Amendment were included within the current year budget and no additional appropriation is necessary.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action. Funding is available based on fiscal year 2025 -26 appropriations.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Any increases to th is agreement will be considered as part of the annual budget development process in future years.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Third Amendment to LSA with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Staff Contact: RoseMarie Horvath, Deputy City Attorney