STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 17
9/8/2026
TN
Date:September 8, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From:Allison Burns, City Attorney
Subject:Approval of Professional Services Agreements for Tort Defense Legal Services with Aleshire & Wynder, Bergman Davey Goldsmith, Best Best & Krieger LLP, Burke Williams & Sorensen LLP, Civica Law Group, APC, Kjar McKenna & Stockalper LLP, Serviam by Wright LLP as a result of Planning, Housing, Environmental, & Tort Defense Legal Services (RFP No. 883-26) Recommendation:
1. Approve Professional Services Agreements for Tort Defense Legal Services with Aleshire & Wynder, Bergman Davey Goldsmith, Best Best & Krieger LLP, Burke Williams & Sorensen LLP, Civica Law Group, APC, Kjar McKenna & Stockalper LLP, and Serviam by Wright LLP, for an aggregate amount not to exceed $900,000 annually, to be shared among all seven firms on an as- needed basis, for an initial three (3)-year term, with two (2) additional one (1)-year options to extend the Agreement period upon mutual written agreement.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreements, subject to City Attorney approval as to form.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
The selected firms will be utilized on an as-needed basis and assigned cases based on subject-matter expertise, caseload, funding considerations, and case complexity. The $900,000 annual budget for Tort Defense Legal Services is a shared amount among all seven firms and is not an amount allocated individually to each firm. Expenditures will be incurred based on actual legal services provided and will be managed within the available Risk Management legal services budget (GL 11313200-5740). The aggregate maximum amount for all seven firms over the initial three-year term is $2,700,000, subject to annual budget appropriations. If both one-year extension options are exercised, the aggregate maximum amount over the potential five-year term would be $4,500,000, subject to annual budget appropriations. 2 5
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The current fiscal year approved budget for these services is $900,000. No additional General Fund appropriation is requested at this time. Funding for subsequent fiscal years, including any extension periods, will be subject to annual budget appropriations approved by the City Council.
Background:
On June 12 th, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 883-26 for Planning, Housing, Environmental, & Tort Defense Legal Services. The purpose of the RFP was to secure qualified municipal legal counsel with expertise in Planning, Housing, Environmental, Tort Defense, and related municipal litigation support. The retirement of the long-tenured Tort Defense Attorney has created an urgent need to secure Tort Defense Legal Services.
Proposals were evaluated by a staff committee using the criteria identified in the RFP, including:
Quality and effectiveness of proposed services
Technical Plan & Scheduled Approach
Relevant municipal experience and staff qualifications Cost to the City
Following evaluation, Aleshire & Wynder, Bergman Davey Goldsmith, Best Best & Krieger LLP, Burke Williams & Sorensen LLP, Civica Law Group, APC, Kjar McKenna & Stockalper LLP, Serviam by Wright LLP were determined to be the most qualified firms based on demonstrated experience representing California municipalities, extensive expertise in Tort Defense, and the ability to provide responsive and strategic legal support aligned with the City’s objectives.
The selected firms will be chosen by the City Manager and City Attorney on an as-needed basis and will be assigned cases based on subject-matter expertise, caseload, and case complexity.
Attachment:
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