February 17, 2026
DocID #63483v2
City Attorney's Office
DATE: February 17, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Shannon Moore, Interim City Attorney
Kimberly Chin, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Subject:
Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 5 with
Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC, for Litigation Matters FINANCIAL IMPACT: This fifth amendment will be for $300,000 for a total amount not to exceed $1,159,990. Expenditures for
Bennet, Gelini and Gelini, APC, will be charged to the
Risk Management General Liability Fund (Account String:
50182316-400554).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
September 12, 2023
May 21, 2024
December 3, 2024
July 1, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
To continue receiving the appropriate representation
defending the City in active civil litigation and future litigation matters, the City Attorney’s Office requires approval of a fifth amendment to the legal services
agreement with Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE a fifth amendment with Bennett, Gelini and
Gelini, APC, to increase the payment limit by $300,000
for a total amount not to exceed $1,159,990 with a term ending December 31, 2027, for litigation representation – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-
6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
AGENDA
REPORT
February 17, 2026
DocID #63483v2
DISCUSSION:
Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC (BGG), currently provides special counsel services defending the City in tort/dangerous condition and personal injury litigation. BGG has been representing the City in these types of lawsuits since February 2023, and the City Attorney’s Office is satisfied with its work and wishes to increase the contract payment limit to ensure continuity of service. Currently, BGG is handling approximately 39 cases on behalf of the City and the City anticipates additional cases to be assigned as needed. BGG has the experience and expertise necessary to continue to represent the
City in pending and future dangerous conditions and personal injury litigation.
Rates for BGG are as follows:
Partner - $195 per hour
Associate - $170 per hour
Paralegal - $125 per hour
The City Attorney’s Office requests approval of this fifth amendment to the legal services agreement with Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC, increasing the payment limit by $300,000 for an amount not to exceed $1,159,990 and term ending December 31, 2027.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Amendment 5 to the Original Contract (proposed) Attachment 2 – Amendment 4 to the Original Contract
Attachment 3 – Amendment 3 to the Original Contract
Attachment 4 – Amendment 2 to the Original Contract
Attachment 5 – Amendment 1 to the Original Contract
Attachment 6 – Original Contract with Bennet, Gelini and Gelini, APC