City Attorney’s Office
www.santa-ana.gov/ca
Item # 13
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
August 4, 2026
TOPIC: Approve Legal Services Agreement
AGENDA TITLE
Legal Services Agreement with Fujii Law Group LLP (Non-General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Fujii Law Group, LLC for the period of August 4, 2026 through August 3, 2029, with an option to extend the term of the agreement for up to one (1) additional year, in the amount of $550,000 for legal services (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
On November 24, 2025, the City engaged Fujii Law Group City for a one-year agreement for legal services for general municipal law advisory and litigation matters, including defense of police litigation. The total amount to be expended during the term of the Agreement was $50,000.
Fujii Law Group was engaged due to the vast municipal law and litigation related experience of its partner and founder, John Fujii. In his 30 years of legal experience, Mr.
Fujii’s expertise includes matters in State and Federal courts for civil litigation, civil rights, police, labor and employment, land use, and tort defense.
Fujii Law Group was initially engaged in the matter of Hightower v City of Santa Ana. An additional matter was referred to Fujii Law Group and the work performed on this requires the new proposed agreement. City staff recommends approval by the City Council for a new three-year agreement to allow for continued services to the City.
The City’s joint powers authority, Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA), has set rates that it will apply towards fulfillment of the City’s self-insured retention for each lawsuit reported to it.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
Legal Services Agreement
August 4, 2026
5 9
4 5
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds, as detailed below, are available in the budgeted amounts for FY 2026-27, and will be budgeted in future fiscal years for City Council consideration as follows:
Fiscal Year Accounting Unit-
Account #
Account
Description
Amount
FY 2026-27 08009051-64050 Liability & Property
Ins. Fund, Losses
Paid
$250,000
FY 2027-28 08009051-64050 Liability & Property
Ins. Fund, Losses
Paid
$250,000
FY 2028-29 08009051-64050 Liability & Property
Ins. Fund, Losses
Paid
$50,000
Total: $550,000
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Legal Services Agreement with Fujii Law Group, LLP
Submitted By: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager