HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2602-5921CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, March 16, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:30 PM
Agenda Item
8.Authorization to Fully Encumber Legal Services Contract S26195211 with Atkinson
Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo For a Total Not- to-Exceed Amount of $255,000; CEQA
Status – Not a Project.
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Attorney
Meeting Date: March 16, 2026
Report #:2602-5921
TITLE
Authorization to Fully Encumber Legal Services Contract S26195211 with Atkinson Andelson
Loya Ruud & Romo For a Total Not- to-Exceed Amount of $255,000; CEQA Status – Not a
Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Attorney or designee to fully encumber the contract amount of $255,000 for
claim defense services with the law firm of Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo (Contract
S26195211).
BACKGROUND
In May 2025, the City entered into an agreement (S26195211) with Atkinson Andelson Loya
Ruud & Romo (AALRR) for a term of three-years in an amount not-to-exceed $255,000 to
defense services in the matter of Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto, et al.. The case is currently
on appeal before the Sixth District Court of Appeal (Ferreira, et al. v. City of Palo Alto, et al.,
Case No. H052577).
The law firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore defended the City in the trial court (Santa Clara
County Superior Court Case No. 21-CV-383740), where the City prevailed on a summary
judgment motion. The lead attorney from Liebert Cassidy Whitmore retired from practice, and
the City retained AALRR to defend the case on appeal.
ANALYSIS
AALRR is a law firm representing cities in a variety of areas, with an emphasis in employment
and labor matters. In May 2025, the City entered into an agreement (S26195211) with AALRR
for a term of three-years in an amount not-to-exceed $255,000 for defense services in Santa
Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21-CV-383740 Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto, et al..
While that agreement was within the City Attorney’s contract award authority, Council
approval is required where the contract expenditures for the first year exceed $85,000, or for
subsequent year, $85,000 plus any unexpended monies carried forward from a prior year.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY: