City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-01826 11/18/2025
Approval of Supplemental Legal Services Agreement (Contract No. 2021-0290) File ID: 2025-01826
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Pass a Motion authorizing the City Attorney or designee to execute a supplemental contract with Duggan McHugh Law Corporation, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $500,000, for litigation assistance in the lawsuit Susan Edmonson v. City of Sacramento.
Contact: Andrea Velasquez, Supervising City Attorney, (916) 808-5346, [email protected], Office of the City Attorney Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-LSA: Supplement 2 to Contract 2021-0290
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The City Attorney’s Office is seeking Council approval to supplement the current legal services agreement with Duggan McHugh Law Corporation, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, for expenses associated with the litigation entitled Susan Edmonson v. City of Sacramento. This amendment is necessary because the City’s defense in this employment litigation has required significant legal services by Duggan McHugh Law Corporation. The case is on the eve of trial which is set to begin in February 2026.
The City Attorney’s Office maintains a pre-approved list of qualified outside counsel available to assist with litigation matters. Duggan McHugh Law Corporation was selected as the most qualified firm to strongly represent and defend the City’s interest in this lawsuit. It is recommended that the Council authorize the City Attorney amend the contract for legal services with Duggan McHugh Law Corporation for a new amount not to exceed $500,000.00.
Policy Considerations: This funding is required to maintain representation and defense of the City in this litigation.
Economic Impacts: Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations: Contracting for outside legal services is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and is not a project subject
File ID: 2025-01826 11/18/2025
to CEQA review. CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b) (5).
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: Plaintiff Susan Edmonson, a former City employee, filed a lawsuit against the City alleging causes of action under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.. Trial is set for February 2026. The City requires the continued assistance of outside counsel in defense of the lawsuit.
Financial Considerations: There will be no impact to the City’s General Fund. The City’s defense is being paid out of the Risk fund.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Duggan McHugh Law Corporation is an LBE.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT
(Rev. 9-17-12)
Project Title and Job Number: Legal Services Agreement – Susan Edmonson v. City of Sacramento Date: 9/29/2025 Purchase Order #: n/a Supplemental Agreement No.: 2021-0290-2 The City of Sacramento ("City") and _Duggan McHugh Law Corporation_ (“Contractor"), as parties to that certain Legal Services Agreement designated as Agreement Number C2021-0290_ including any and all prior supplemental agreements modifying the agreement (the agreement and supplemental agreements are hereafter collectively referred to as the "Agreement"), hereby supplement and modify the Agreement as follows:
1. The scope of Services specified in Exhibit A of the Agreement is amended as follows:
The scope of work has not changed. The parties are increasing the not to exceed amount due to the additional work necessary to bring the litigation io conclusion.
2. The term of this agreement is amended as follows:
There is no change in the term of the agreement.
3. In consideration of the additional and/or revised services described in section 1 and 2, above, the maximum not-to- exceed amount that is specified in Exhibit B of the Agreement for payment of Contractor's fees and expenses, is increased by $67,000.00, and the Agreement’s maximum not-to-exceed amount is amended as follows:
Agreement's original not-to-exceed amount: __ _$100,000.00_ Net change by previous supplemental agreements: _____$200,000.00_ Not-to-exceed amount prior to this supplemental agreement: _____$300,000.00_ Increase by this supplemental agreement: _____$200,000.00_ New not-to exceed amount including all supplemental agreements: _____$500,000.00_
4. Contractor agrees that the amount of increase or decrease in the not-to-exceed amount specified in section 2, above, shall constitute full compensation for the additional and/or revised services specified in section 1, above, and shall fully compensate Contractor for any and all direct and indirect costs that may be incurred by Contractor in connection with such additional and/or revised services, including costs associated with any changes and/or delays in work schedules or in the performance of other services or work by Contractor.
5. Contractor warrants and represents that the person or persons executing this supplemental agreement on behalf of Contractor has or have been duly authorized by Contractor to sign this supplemental agreement and bind Contractor to the terms hereof.
6. Except as specifically revised herein, all terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and Contractor shall perform all of the services, duties, obligations, and conditions required under the Agreement, as supplemented and modified by this supplemental agreement.
Approval Recommended By:
Andrea Velasquez, Supervising City Attorney
Approved By:
Jennifer Duggan, Partner
Duggan McHugh Law Corporation
Approved By:
Brett M. Witter, Assistant City Attorney, City of Sacramento Approved As To Form By:
Andrea Velasquez, Supervising City Attorney
Attested To By:
City Clerk