September 12, 2023
City Attorney's Office
DATE: September 12, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Dave Aleshire, City Attorney
Alan M. Cohen, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Subject:
First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with
Bennett, Gelini, and Gelini
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Expenditures for Bennet, Gelini, and Gelini will be appropriated from the Risk Management Liability fund
[50182316-400554]
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
Not applicable
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
In order to continue to receive appropriate representation defending the City in active civil litigation, the City Attorney requires approval of a first amendment to the
legal services agreement with Bennett, Gelini, and Gelini.
RECOMMENDED ACTION APPROVE a first amendment to the legal services agreement with Bennett, Gelini, and Gelini increasing the compensation by an amount not to exceed $100,000, for
a total contract amount of $109,990, with a term ending June 30, 2025 – City Attorney’s Office (Dave
Aleshire/Alan Cohen 510-620-6709).
AGENDA
REPORT
September 12, 2023
DISCUSSION:
Bennett, Gelini, and Gelini. (Bennett, Gelini) currently provides special counsel services defending the City in tort/dangerous condition and personal injury litigation. Bennett, Gelini, and Gelini has been representing the City in these types of lawsuits since February 2023 and is currently defending six active lawsuits. The City Attorney’s Office is satisfied with its work and wishes to increase the contract payment limit to ensure continuity of service.
The law firm has the experience and expertise necessary to continue to represent the City of Richmond in pending and future dangerous condition and personal injury litigation. The City Attorney’s Office requests approval of this first amendment to the legal services agreement with Bennett, Gelini increasing the payment limit by $100,000.
Rates for Bennett, Gelini are as follows: partner - $195 per hour, associate - $170 per hour, and paralegal is $125 per hour.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Original Contract
Attachment 2 – Amendment to the Contract