CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: AUGUST 26, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH LIEBERT
CASSIDY WHITMORE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR
RELATIONS LEGAL SERVICES
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Human Resources
SUMMARY:
This action will approve an amendment to the current contract with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to provide employment and labor relations legal services to the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Approve an Amendment (Attachment A) to the Agreement for Special Services with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to provide consulting, representational and legal services pertaining to employment relations matters.
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
A copy of the Public Integrity Disclosure Form for Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, a Professional Corporation, is included as Attachment B.
BACKGROUND:
The City has utilized the law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW) to provide legal and consulting services for matters pertaining to employee and labor relations since 2007.
These services include labor negotiations, legal consultation and representation in administrative and court proceedings. The current contract was approved by City Council on November 10, 2022, with an effective date of October 1, 2022. LCW is increasing their billing rates effective July 1, 2026.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Due to the evolving complex nature of employment law, the City desires to retain the law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for as-needed legal services. The services will be utilized
City Council Staff Report
August 26, 2026 -- Page 2
Amendment to Agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for Employment and Labor Legal Services in 2027 as the new labor agreements with the Palm Springs Fire Management Association and Teamsters Local 1932 are being negotiated.
Staff finds the new billing rates reasonable and comparable to the rates of other law firms.
The procurement of contracts for legal services are exempt from Title 7 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, Procurement and Contracting. Staff recommends the City Council approve the attached amendment (Attachment A) to the Agreement for Special Services with the law firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for as requested legal services.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The requested City Council action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The requested action is to approve contracts for the above-mentioned services, and is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15378(b), in that a “Project” does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for outside legal services are currently budgeted. No additional appropriations are requested as a part of this report.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Stephanie George
City Manager: Teresa Gallavan for Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Amendment 1
B. Business Disclosure Form
C. Original Agreement for Special Services