City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: OCTOBER 20, 2026 FROM: CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: ADD THE LAW OFFICES OF MARTENSON, HASBROUCK & SIMON LLLP TO THE CITY’S APPROVED PANEL OF OUTSIDE COUNSEL AND AUTHORIZE A THREE-YEAR LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ISSUE:
To consider adding the law firm Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP to the City’s panel of approved outside counsel and approval of a three-year legal services agreement.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
Add the law firm Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP to the panel of approved outside counsel for the City; Approve a three-year legal services agreement with the law firm Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP; and Authorize the City Attorney or designee to execute the legal services agreement with the law firm Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP.
BACKGROUND:
City Charter section 702, “Eligibility, powers and duties of City Attorney,” provides, in part, that “the City Council shall have control of all legal business and proceedings and may employ other attorneys to take charge of any litigation or matter or to assist the City Attorney therein.” DISCUSSION:
The Law Offices of William R. Price has been on the City’s approved panel of outside counsel and has provided exceptional legal services. Mr. Price specializes in civil litigation, employment law, and civil rights defense. Mr. Price represents public and private sector clients throughout California and has extensive experience representing state and local agencies. Mr. Price received the statewide 2018 Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Client Representation following two major trial wins in law enforcement civil rights cases.
However, Mr. Price recently advised that he will be merging his sole practice with law firm Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP. Mr. Price has confirmed that his hourly rate will not increase and that in addition to his services, the resources of a larger firm will be available to the City through this new structure.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The Law Offices of William R. Price is currently retained to represent Officer Ventura in the Jane Doe v. City of Riverside case and to advise on the CEDD investigation. With this approval, Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP will take over the handling of these matters after Mr. Price winds down his practice under the Law Offices of William R. Price. The City Attorney’s Office will seek all necessary approvals for all other legal work performed by Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP.
Prepared by: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Assistant City Attorney Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
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