City Attorney’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/ca
Item # 13
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
March 17, 2026
TOPIC: Agreement for Legal Services
AGENDA TITLE
Agreement for Legal Counsel Services with Meyers Nave, APC (General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a legal services agreement with the law firm of Meyers Nave, APC for appellate and litigation legal services for the period of March 17, 2026 until March 16, 2028, with an option to extend for up to one year, in an amount not to exceed $300,000 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
Founded in 1986, Meyers Nave has a well-earned reputation for providing superior legal services to public and non-public entities alike. Meyers Nave expertly represents its clients in transaction, litigation, and regulatory compliance challenges. The firm has an outstanding history of successful outcomes for high-profile projects, while utilizing creativity to resolve high-stakes matters and maintaining workplace diversity. The firm has also developed key strengths in land use and environmental law, labor and employment law, tort and police liability defense, and redevelopment law, among other areas.
The City seeks to retain Meyers Nave because of the excellent work of attorney, Cristina Talley. For at least the last seven years, Ms. Talley has provided legal services to the City with several notable successes. She is currently engaged as legal counsel in two ongoing police employment matters for the City. Last year she decided to wind down her own law firm to join Meyers Nave as Senior Of Counsel. She has worked as a city attorney for several large local public entities and is a tenacious and versatile litigator with over 35 years of legal experience. Her extensive background in public service and government counsel has shaped a distinguished career handling complex and high-profile litigation across California in both state and federal courts.
Agreement for Legal Services
March 17, 2026
5 6
5 3
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s joint powers authority, Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA), will apply the hourly rate of $350 towards fulfillment of the City’s self-insured retention. Funds are available in the Liability and Property Insurance Fund, Losses Paid (08009051-64050) to cover costs subject to litigation against the City, as approved by Adminsure for coverage under this fund. Funding is available in the current FY 25- 26 budget and funding for subsequent fiscal year will be included in the proposed budgets for City Council Consideration.
Fiscal Year Accounting Unit-
Account #
Account
Description
Amount
FY 2025-26 08009051-64050 Liability & Property
Ins. Fund, Losses
Paid
$135,000
FY 2026-27 08009051-64050 Liability & Property
Ins. Fund, Losses
Paid
$135,000
FY 2027-28 08009051-64050 Liability & Property
Ins. Fund, Losses
Paid
$30,000
Total: $300,000
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Legal Services Agreement with Meyers Nave, APC
Submitted By: Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager