Item 24 - Approve Legal Services Agreement with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP

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LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP This AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 18th day of July 2023, by and between Burke, Wiliams & Sorensen, LLP ("Attorneys"), and the City of Santa Ana, a charter city and municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the constitution and laws of the State of California ("City"). RECITALS A. The City of Santa Ana and the City Attorney's Office City desires to employ Attorneys to assist the in-house attorneys for the City ("City Attorney") in the provision of legal services to the City, for public nuisance litigation related matters by a firm with specialized expertise. B. City desires to employ Attorneys to assist the in-house attorneys for the City ("City Attorney") in the provision of legal services to the City. C. Attorneys represent that they are licensed to practice law in the State of California, have special experience and knowledge related to litigation matters concerning public nuisances, and desire to undertake said services. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual and respective promises, and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows: 1. RETENTION OF ATTORNEYS On an as -needed basis, and at the sole discretion of the City, City hereby agrees to and does retain Attorneys, for the compensation hereinafter specified, to assist the City Attorney with litigation related to the abatement of public nuisances within the City of Santa Ana. Attorneys accept said retention and agree to perform, in a timely and efficient manner, all such services as may be requested by the City Attorney. Attorneys shall confirm their acceptance of work requested by City in writing by e-mail or letter. 2. COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED a. City agrees to compensate Attorneys, and Attorneys agree to accept from City, as and for payment in full for all services for the foregoing services, Partners will be billed at the rate of $325 an hour, Associates at a rate of $300 an hour, and paralegals at a rate of $145 an hour. Time will be billed in 1/10th of an hour increments. b. The total sum to be expended under this Agreement, shall not exceed $500,000, including any extension periods. This amount includes compensation by the City for any outstanding payment for services rendered by Attorneys under Agreement #N-2020-065, as amended, and services provided since July 1, 2023. C. City agrees to reimburse Attorneys for out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to, mileage, copying costs, service of process, and mail services authorized by the City Attorney in connection with the performance of duties under this Agreement.