CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: October 7, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Eric Levitt, City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Subject: Professional Services Agreement with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, and Romo in the amount of
$300,000 for Legal Services (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, and Romo, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney's Office, in an amount not to exceed $300,000 for legal services.
City Manager's Comments
The City Manager recommends approval.
Executive Summary
Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, and Romo (AALRR) is a full-service law firm that specializes in employment and labor law. The Professional Services Agreement with AALRR) will provide the City with qualified outside legal counsel to address litigation involving these matters, which protects the City’s interests and avoids unnecessary liability.
Background
The City routinely utilizes qualified outside counsel to address litigation against the City. Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) is a full-service law firm with an emphasis in employment and labor law, and they have represented the City in multiple cases over the past decade. The City has been named as a defendant in a civil action filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court and now requires outside counsel to defend its interests in this matter, which is essential and avoids unnecessary liability.
Discussion
The Agreement with AALRR will allow the firm to defend the City in the filed lawsuit.
The not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 would provide representation through both trial and any post-trial motions; however, appeals are not included and would require a separate written agreement. The Firm does expect that the total cost for services will exceed $300,000 and they will only invoice the City for costs that are actually incurred.
Strategic Goals and Priorities
Approval of the agreement aligns with Key Target No. 1e: Improved Operational & Financial Capacity – Minimize Risk and Litigation Exposure. Continued legal representation protects the City’s interest and avoids unnecessary liability.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is $300,000. The Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget has sufficient funds to accommodate this Agreement.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, and Romo, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney's Office, in an amount not to exceed $300,000 for legal services.
Attachments
N/A
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
N/A
CC