Administrative
Report
H.5., File # 24-1663 Meeting Date: 10/8/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY
TITLE
APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH AND THE LAW OFFICE OF TODD SIMONSON, PC.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Law Office of Todd Simonson has been on the City Attorney’s Approved Law Firms list since February 15, 2022, and has conducted several workplace investigations for the City. The purpose of this First Amendment to the Agreement is solely to allow the Law Office of Todd Simonson to conduct a neutral, third-party investigation into a Police Department personnel matter, and not for other legal services.
BACKGROUND
Todd Simonson of the Law Office of Todd Simonson has previously conduced workplace investigations for the City when he was with his former law firm, Jackson Lewis, and since 2022 with his own law firm. Mr. Simonson is a former police officer, has 25 years of experience as an attorney, specializes in labor and employment law, and has conducted over 100 workplace investigations.
These investigations have included a wide range of matters from harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and police internal affairs investigations, including issues dealing with the Public Safety Officers’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act, which is critical when conducting police personnel investigations. In his investigations, he has demonstrated a commitment to being neutral and independent.
The City Attorney’s Office is requesting approval of the First Amendment to the Agreement for Legal Services between the City of Redondo Beach and the Law Office of Todd Simonson because the Police Department has a need for a neutral investigator in relation to a confidential personnel matter.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney’s Office has coordinated the preparation of this item with the Police Department.
The City Attorney’s Office negotiated and prepared the agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
To perform investigations, Mr. Simonson will offer a public sector rate of $390 per hour, which is significantly discounted from the firm’s usual hourly rate for private clients, and given the distance, a further discounted rate for travel time. Funding for this investigation is available in the Police
H.5., File # 24-1663 Meeting Date: 10/8/2024
further discounted rate for travel time. Funding for this investigation is available in the Police Department’s current operating budget.
ATTACHMENTS
· First Amendment to the Agreement for Legal Services between the City of Redondo Beach and the Law Office of Todd Simonson, PC.