Administrative
Report
H.6., File # 23-6035 Meeting Date: 5/9/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY
TITLE
APPROVE THE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH ATTORNEY CARRIE ELLIOTT AS
OUTSIDE COUNSEL IN LEGAL MATTERS AS NEEDED AND ADD HER TO THE CITY ATTORNEY’S LIST OF APPROVED LAW FIRMS AND ATTORNEYS.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City maintains a list of approved law firms and attorneys from which to select outside counsel when special expertise is required in legal matters. This contract will add Ms. Carrie Elliott to the City Attorney’s approved law firm list to provide legal services for the prosecution side of the City Attorney’s Office.
BACKGROUND
The Prosecution Division of the City Attorney’s Office will periodically have a need for additional attorney support services due to being engaged in trial in courthouses other than the Torrance Superior Court, and unanticipated absences related to illness, vacation, and/or child care issues. In order to fulfill our statutory obligations, it is necessary to have outside counsel available as needed.
Ms. Elliott is needed to assist in covering the workload. There is currently sufficient money in the City Attorney’s Office budget to cover this expense.
Carrie Elliott is an experienced prosecutor who served as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County for six years. Ms. Elliott is willing to provide legal services to the prosecution side of the City Attorney’s Office, as needed, on an hourly basis. Ms. Elliott’s hourly rate of $85.00 is extremely cost effective. This contract will be taking the place of the previous contracts with Brett Davidson and Gillian Studwell who are no longer available to provide this service.
COORDINATION
The Agreement has been approved by Carrie Elliott and the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The use of Ms. Elliott will not exceed the funds previously allocated in the City Attorney Prosecution Division Budget for the use of outside counsel.
H.6., File # 23-6035 Meeting Date: 5/9/2023
ATTACHMENTS
· Agreement for Legal Services