City Council
Staff Report
From: City Attorney
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Attorney
Meeting Date: August 10, 2026
Report #:2607-6525
TITLE
Authorization to Execute Amendment to Legal Services Contract S25194587 with Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo to Increase Amount by $100,000 for Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $285,000; CEQA Status – Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Attorney or designee to amend the contract for litigation defense services with the law firm of Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo (Contract S25194587) to increase the contract amount by $100,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $285,000.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo is a law firm representing cities in a variety of areas, including an emphasis in employment and labor matters. In March 2025, the City entered into a three-year agreement (S25194587) in the amount of $85,000 with Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo for litigation defense services in Government Claim No. C25-0059 filed by Thomas Haxton and related litigation. In September 2025, an amendment was authorized to add $100,000 for continuing litigation defense1. Staff now seeks authority to increase the contract amount by an additional $100,000 which will bring the new not to exceed amount to $285,000. Litigation is continuing in the Haxton matter. Legal service contracts are exempt from solicitation requirements per Section 2.30.360(g) of the Municipal Code.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for this amendment is within existing appropriations adopted in the City Attorney’s Office as part of the FY 2027 Adopted Operating Budget. 1 City Council, September 29, 2025, Item 2507-5011
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=75d1d024-f9ab-46cf-a6fe-11ce6a102b55
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The City Attorney‘s Office works closely with the City Manager and department personnel on government claims matters.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Amendment of a legal services contract is not a project requiring environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (See CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(5), administrative activities that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment).
APPROVED BY:
Christopher Jensen, City Attorney