HomeMy WebLinkAbout25H - LEGAL SERVICES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
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REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
SEPTEMBER 7, 2004
TITLE:
APPROVED
0 As Recommended
0 As Amended
0 Ordinance on 151 Reading
0 Ordinance on 2nd Reading
0 Implementing Resolution
0 Set Public Hearing For
LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
HAIGHT BROWN & BONESTEEL, LLP
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CITY MÁNAGE
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Attorney to prepare and authorize the City Manager and the
Clerk of the Council to execute a legal services agreement with the Law
Firm of Haight Brown & Bonesteel, LLP with a maximum hourly rate of $200.
DISCUSSION
Under the direction of the City Attorney's Office, the law firm of Haight
Brown & Bonesteel will provide legal services to the City Attorney's
Office and Risk Management Divisions in the specialized area of Federal
court litigation, Constitutional Law, including litigation experience
relating to Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
("RLUIPA"), civil rights, and First Amendment issues. This firm is highly
regarded and one of the largest 25 firms in the State. It was selected
after extensive consideration and interviews of other firms with similar
background and expertise. The attorneys at Haight Brown & Bonesteel have
extensive experience representing public entities, including defending the
City of Lake Elsinore in the important case of Elsinore Christian Center
v. City of Lake Elsinore which is the only government land use case in the
Uni ted Sates to hold a portion of RLUIPA to be unconstitutional. The
resources and expertise that this firm offers is essential in maintaining
a competent and vigorous defense in these complex cases.
The hourly rate charged by Haight Brown & Bonesteel is $200 per hour. This
rate is highly competitive for a firm with Haight Brown & Bonesteel's
background and expertise and given the complexity of the cases handled.
25H
Amendment to
Haight Brown
September 7,
Page 2
Legal Service Agreement with
& Bonesteel, LLP
2004
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Risk Management Liability Fund (account no. 80-
180-6191) .
APPROVED AS TO FUNDS
D ACCOUNTS:
Rod R. Coloma
Executive Director
Finance & Management Services Agency
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Enrique Alva
Executive Director
Personnel Services
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