REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 8, 2021
FROM
MICHELLE D. BLAKEMORE, County Counsel
LEANNA WILLIAMS, Director, Department of Risk Management
SUBJECT
Title v
Increase Purchase Order with Reed Smith LLP for Specialized Legal Services
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Authorize the Purchasing Agent to increase Purchase Order No. 4100186407 with Reed Smith LLP by $40,000, from $200,000 to $240,000, for the provision of continuing legal services in connection with legal research, analysis, and advice on a strategy for procuring insurance coverage in connection with recent litigation settlements (Four votes required).
(Presenter: Michelle D. Blakemore, County Counsel, 387-5455)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The costs for the identified legal services to obtain insurance coverage are included in the Risk Management-General Liability Fund (7310004096). Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the 2020-21 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Approval of this item will allow the County to continue to utilize Reed Smith LLP (Reed Smith) for legal services associated with advising on strategy for procuring insurance coverage in connection with recent litigation settlements. The legal services required to perform this work has involved the review of every possible policy covering every potential level of exposure over a fourteen-year period to determine coverage limits, exceptions, and remedy requirements. The settlements for which the County is seeking coverage have also required significant legal research that has consumed more time than originally expected. This work, however, is necessary for the County to ensure appropriate coverage for multiple claims.
It was...
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