HomeMy WebLinkAboutP-23-517 Best Best and Krieger LLP.pdf AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
2 (ADVICE AND LITIGATION)
3 THIS AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES (ADVICE AND
4 LITIGATION) ("Agreement") is made and entered into this 22nd day of MAY , 2023, by
5 and between the COUNTY OF FRESNO, a political subdivision of the State of California
6 ("COUNTY"), and the law firm of BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP, whose address is
7 18101 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1000, Irvine, California 92612 ("ATTORNEY").
8 Recitals
9 A. COUNTY from time to time needs the assistance of outside legal counsel to
10 advise COUNTY and to represent COUNTY in litigation matters.
11 B. ATTORNEY has held itself out as having the necessary legal expertise and
12 experience to advise COUNTY and to represent COUNTY in litigation matters.
13 C. Such legal services are either not available or not expected to be available in
14 COUNTY's Office of the County Counsel.
15 The parties therefore agree as follows:
16 1. Engagement of Attorney: COUNTY hereby engages ATTORNEY as an
17 independent contractor through the services of the following key person(s): Jeffrey Dunn, Scott
18 Smith, Matthew "Mal" Richardson, Richard Egger, Gregg Kettles, and Jeffrey Wilson, partners
19 of ATTORNEY; and such other partners, of counsel, associate lawyers, and staff members
20 employed by, ATTORNEY as ATTORNEY deems necessary, and who COUNTY's County
21 Counsel ("County Counsel"), or their designee, approves pursuant to section 3 of this
22 Agreement, except that the foregoing key persons may, from time to time, consult with such of
23 ATTORNEY's other lawyers on a "limited basis" (as defined below) as ATTORNEY reasonably
24 deems prudent and necessary under the circumstances. ATTORNEY may not replace any of
25 the aforementioned key persons named above without the prior, express, written approval of
26 County Counsel, or their designee. In case of death, illness or other incapacity, or departure of
27
1
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 any of the foregoing key persons, ATTORNEY shall provide a replacement of at least equal
2 professional ability and experience as the key person replaced.
3 A. Scope of Work: From time to time, County Counsel, or their designee,
4 may request ATTORNEY to perform legal services in connection with various matters, each
5 which is a"project,"or all of which also may be referred to collectively as"projects." Upon County
6 Counsel's, or their designee's, written request to perform such services, and ATTORNEY's
7 written acknowledgment that ATTORNEY will provide such services, ATTORNEY shall perform
8 such services pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
9 foregoing provisions of this subsection 1.A., in the event of exigent circumstances, County
10 Counsel may make such request orally, and County Counsel and ATTORNEY shall within a
11 reasonable time thereafter document such request for services and acknowledgment thereof.
12 B. Authorization to Proceed with Work: For each project, ATTORNEY shall
13 commence performance of services upon receiving authorization to proceed with work from the
14 County Counsel, or their designee.
15 2. Performance bV Attorney: ATTORNEY agrees to timely perform all services
16 provided under this Agreement. ATTORNEY agrees to avoid unnecessary duplicative efforts on
17 the part of ATTORNEY and ATTORNEY's partners, associate lawyers, and staff members in
18 ATTORNEY's performance of services for COUNTY under this Agreement.
19 COUNTY shall not be obligated to compensate ATTORNEY for intra-office conferences
20 between or among ATTORNEY's partners, associate lawyers, and staff members, unless such
21 intra-office conferences promote efficiency in the performance of ATTORNEY's work on a
22 matter, or a reduction in the cost of compensation paid or reimbursement made for related,
23 reasonable and necessary, out-of-pocket expenses to ATTORNEY, or both.
24 In the performance of the tasks identified in section 1 under this Agreement,ATTORNEY
25 shall provide only those services that are necessary to carry out such tasks in an efficient and
26 effective manner.
27
2
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 ATTORNEY shall provide lawyers who possess the following qualities and skills:
2 A. the lawyer possesses a high level of professional ethics and personal
3 integrity, and exercises good judgment;
4 B. the lawyer has experience and expertise in the particular matter for which
5 he or she is providing services;
6 C. the lawyer has exceptional technical legal skills;
7 D. the lawyer vigorously represents COUNTY so that COUNTY's
8 best interests are served;
9 E. the lawyer efficiently and timely completes assigned tasks;
10 F. the lawyer is reasonably available when County Counsel, or their
11 designee, needs to consult with the lawyer on short notice;
12 G. the lawyer anticipates potential problems and advises County Counsel
13 regarding same.
14 3. Compensation of ATTORNEY: COUNTY shall compensate ATTORNEY
15 pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement only for the performance of those tasks,
16 to the reasonable satisfaction of COUNTY, that relate to the subject matter of this Agreement.
17 It is understood that COUNTY shall not be obligated to compensate ATTORNEY for any work,
18 services, or functions performed by ATTORNEY: (i) in seeking to obtain COUNTY's business
19 or negotiating with COUNTY to enter into this Agreement or (ii) in providing COUNTY with
20 documentation, explanations, or justifications concerning the adequacy or accuracy of its
21 invoices for the performance of services under this Agreement and resolving same to the
22 reasonable satisfaction of COUNTY.
23 COUNTY agrees to pay and ATTORNEY agrees to accept as full compensation for
24 performance of tasks under this Agreement the following sum per hour per person:
25 Partners:
26 Jeffrey Dunn $385
27
3
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 Scott Smith $385
2 Matthew "Mal" Richardson $385
3 Richard Egger $385
4 Christopher Pisano $350
5 Gregg Kettles $350
6 Jeffrey Wilson $350
7 Of Counsel:
8 Jim Priest $325
9 Associates:
10 Miles Krieger $295
11 Andrew Fausto $295
12 Director of Election Services:
13 Stephanie Smith $250
14 Paralegals: $195
15 Litigation IT Support Staff: $180
16 The foregoing lawyers may, from time to time, consult with such of ATTORNEY's other
17 lawyers on a "limited basis" as ATTORNEY reasonably deems prudent and necessary under
18 the circumstances, and ATTORNEY may also, upon the written approval of County Counsel, or
19 their designee, provide additional partners of, or associate lawyers employed by its firm to
20 perform significant services under this Agreement, provided that such additional persons who
21 are consulted or who provide significant services are compensated by COUNTY for
22 performance of tasks under this Agreement at a rate not to exceed each such person's
23 customary billing rate per hour for local governmental entities. Notwithstanding anything stated
24 to the contrary in this section, the term "limited basis" means fifteen (15) hours or less worked
25 by each of ATTORNEY's lawyers, other than the lawyers identified above, per month or fraction
26 thereof.
27
4
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 County Counsel, or their designee, on behalf of COUNTY, and ATTORNEY, may agree
2 to a fixed rate of compensation, and related, reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses,
3 payable to ATTORNEY for ATTORNEY's performance of any arbitrage rebate and yield
4 restriction compliance services pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
5 In addition, ATTORNEY shall be reimbursed for reasonable, and necessary out-of-
6 pocket expenses, as follows: telephone charges, telephonic facsimile transmission charges,
7 computer research charges, filing fees, courier charges, postage charges, printing and
8 photographic reproduction expenses, in-State travel, and all such directly-related expenses.
9 It is understood that ATTORNEY shall not be reimbursed for its secretarial or clerical
10 services (including overtime hours worked), or normal office operating expenses, with the
11 exception of those charges and expenses stated in the immediately preceding paragraph of this
12 Agreement. In addition, ATTORNEY shall not be reimbursed for such services performed or
13 expenses incurred, regardless of whether such tasks are performed or expenses are incurred
14 by ATTORNEY's partners, associate lawyers, or anyone else. Under no circumstances shall
15 COUNTY compensate ATTORNEY for secretarial or clerical work performed by paralegals.
16 Furthermore, COUNTY shall not compensate ATTORNEY for work performed by paralegals
17 where such work ordinarily is performed by licensed attorneys, including legal research and
18 legal document drafting.
19 The maximum amount payable to ATTORNEY under this Agreement is Two Hundred
20 Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($200,000.00). ATTORNEY shall not be paid for any services
21 or costs above that limit without written modification of this Agreement executed by both parties.
22 Whenever ATTORNEY accrues fees, costs eligible for reimbursement or expenses in
23 an amount in excess of 80% of the total maximum amount provided for compensation in this
24 Agreement or any successor amended agreement, whether such fees, costs or expenses have
25 been billed to COUNTY or not, ATTORNEY shall notify COUNTY in writing of this fact in order
26 to allow the parties sufficient time to arrange for the amendment of this Agreement or any
27
5
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 successor amended agreement to raise the maximum limit on compensation as the parties
2 may agree. ATTORNEY acknowledges that as a California public entity, COUNTY may only
3 pay amounts that have been legally authorized by a valid contract or payment process. Law
4 Firm further acknowledges that any amendment of this engagement letter that would provide
5 for compensation in excess of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) legally requires
6 approval of the COUNTY Board of Supervisors. ATTORNEY further acknowledges that any
7 fees, costs or expenses accrued in excess of the maximum amount provided for in this
8 Agreement or any successor or amended agreement are incurred and accrued at the sole
9 responsibility and risk of the ATTORNEY and are not legally payable by COUNTY.
10 4. Payment and Record-keeping: Subject to section 3 of this Agreement, payment
11 of compensation for the services provided under this Agreement and reimbursement for related,
12 reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred shall be made by COUNTY after
13 submission of an itemized invoice by ATTORNEY to the County Counsel, which invoice may
14 be submitted in the month following the month in which such services were rendered or
15 expenses incurred, or from time to time as such invoice is requested by County Counsel or their
16 designee. All payments of compensation and reimbursement for related, reasonable and
17 necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred shall be made by COUNTY no later than forty-five
18 (45) days following the date that COUNTY receives a properly completed invoice requesting
19 the payment for such services rendered and expenses incurred. COUNTY shall remit any
20 payment to ATTORNEY's address specified in the invoice for payment.
21 All such invoices shall reflect accurately the tasks performed by ATTORNEY under this
22 Agreement. In addition, all such invoices shall have sufficient detail as may be required by
23 COUNTY's Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, including, but not limited to:
24 A. The specific nature of each task performed as services under this
25 Agreement;
26 B. The name of the person performing each such task;
27
6
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 C. The number of hours worked by each such person for each such task;
2 D. The hourly rate per each such person performing each such task; and
3 E. The related, reasonable and necessary, out-of-pocket expenses
4 incurred, as provided for in section 3 of this Agreement.
5 In addition to the requirements of this section 4 of this Agreement, each invoice shall set
6 forth a summary of hours worked by each partner and associate lawyer, and paralegal (if
7 compensable under section 3 of this Agreement) for the applicable billing period. Furthermore,
8 each such invoice shall set forth the product of such summary of hours worked by each person
9 multiplied by such person's billing rate, as set forth herein (e.g., Mr. Dunn's total hours worked
10 = 10 hours; Mr. Dunn's hourly billing rate is $385; 10 hours x Mr. Dunn's billing rate of$385 per
11 hour = $3,850).
12 In preparing invoices, ATTORNEY shall segregate each task performed on a daily basis.
13 If requested by County Counsel, or their designee, ATTORNEY shall segregate work performed
14 and related, reasonable and necessary, out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the basis of each
15 project. ATTORNEY shall not combine unrelated tasks as a single entry in lieu of setting forth
16 the hours of work performed by a partner, of counsel, associate lawyer, or paralegal on each
17 specific task.
18 ATTORNEY shall prepare its invoices in an organized manner that facilitates an efficient
19 review of the services performed and the expenses incurred in order to provide COUNTY with
20 a clear and complete understanding of how much time was devoted to specific tasks and
21 projects, and the associated cost.
22 ATTORNEY shall keep complete records of the services provided, as described in this
23 section 4 of this Agreement, together with all related reasonable and necessary, out-of-pocket
24 expenses applicable to the work provided under this Agreement. COUNTY's Auditor-
25 Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, or their duly authorized representatives, shall be given
26 reasonable access to all of these records for the purposes of audit of this Agreement.
27
7
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 In addition, ATTORNEY shall be subject to the examination and audit of such records
2 by the Auditor General for a period of three (3) years after final payment under this Agreement
3 (Gov. Code, § 8546.7).
4 5. Term of Agreement: This Agreement shall be effective retroactively as of May
5 22, 2023, and shall continue in full force and effect through December 31, 2024.
6 Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, either in whole or in part.
7 However, if ATTORNEY elects to terminate this Agreement, COUNTY's rights under any
8 pending matter which may arise from ATTORNEY's services hereunder shall not be prejudiced
9 due to such termination as required by the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of
10 California. Subject to section 3 of this Agreement, ATTORNEY shall be paid for all services
11 performed to the date of termination of this Agreement, which are done to the reasonable
12 satisfaction of COUNTY.
13 6. Independent Contractor: In performance of the work, duties and obligations
14 assumed by ATTORNEY under this Agreement, it is mutually understood and agreed that
15 ATTORNEY, including any and all of ATTORNEY's officers, agents, and employees will at all
16 times be acting and performing as an independent contractor, and shall act in an independent
17 capacity and not as an officer, agent, servant, employee, joint venturer, partner, or associate of
18 COUNTY. Furthermore, COUNTY shall have no right to control or supervise or direct the
19 manner or method by which ATTORNEY shall perform its obligations under this Agreement.
20 However, COUNTY shall retain the right to administer this Agreement so as to verify that
21 ATTORNEY is performing its obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.
22 ATTORNEY and COUNTY shall comply with all applicable provisions of law and the rules and
23 regulations, if any, of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over matters of the subject
24 hereof.
25 Because of its status as an independent contractor, ATTORNEY shall have absolutely
26 no right to employment rights and benefits available to COUNTY employees. ATTORNEY shall
27
8
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 be solely liable and responsible for providing to, or on behalf of, its employees all legally-
2 required employee benefits. In addition, ATTORNEY shall be solely responsible and save
3 COUNTY harmless from all matters related to payment of ATTORNEY's employees, including
4 compliance with social security, withholding, and all other regulations governing such matters.
5 Both parties acknowledge that during the term of this Agreement, ATTORNEY may be providing
6 services to others unrelated to COUNTY or to this Agreement.
7 7. Hold Harmless: ATTORNEY shall hold COUNTY, its officers, agents, and
8 employees harmless and indemnify and defend COUNTY, its officers, agents, and employees
9 against payment of any and all costs and expenses (including attorney's fees and court cost),
10 claims, suits, losses, damages, and liability arising from or arising out of any actual or alleged
11 negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of ATTORNEY, including its partners, officers, agents,
12 and employees, in performing or failing to perform the services provided herein. COUNTY's
13 receipt of any insurance certificates required herein does not in any way relieve the ATTORNEY
14 from its obligations under this section 7 of this Agreement.
15 The provisions of this section 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
16 8. Insurance: Without limiting COUNTY's rights to obtain indemnification from
17 ATTORNEY or any third parties, ATTORNEY, at its sole expense, shall maintain in full force
18 and effect the following insurance policies throughout the entire term of this Agreement:
19 A. Professional liability insurance with limits of not less than Ten Million
20 Dollars ($10,000,000) per covered event.
21 B. Comprehensive general liability insurance with limits of coverage of not
22 less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence and an annual aggregate of Four
23 Million Dollars ($4,000,000). This policy must be issued on a per occurrence basis. ATTORNEY
24 shall obtain an endorsement to this policy naming the County of Fresno, its officers, agents,
25 employees, and volunteers, individually and collectively, as additional insureds, but only insofar
26 as the operations under this Agreement are concerned. Such coverage for additional insureds
27
9
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 will apply as primary insurance and any other insurance, or self-insurance, maintained by the
2 COUNTY is excess only and not contributing with insurance provided under ATTORNEY's
3 policy.
4 C. Automobile liability insurance coverage with limits of not less than One
5 Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence for bodily injury and for property damages.
6 Coverage must include any auto used in connection with this Agreement.
7 C. Workers compensation insurance as required by the laws of the State of
8 California with statutory limits.
9 Additional Insurance Requirements
10 Within 30 days after ATTORNEY signs this Agreement, and at any time during the term
11 of this Agreement as requested by the County Counsel, ATTORNEY shall deliver, or cause its
12 broker or producer to deliver, to the County Counsel's Office, at 2281 Tulare Street, Suite 304,
13 Fresno, California 93721, or CountyCounsel Mai Ibox@fresnocountyca.gov, copies of insurance
14 policies as produced by the broker or producer, and certificates of insurance and endorsements
15 for all of the coverages required under this Agreement.
16 (i) Each insurance certificate must state that: (1) the insurance coverage has been
17 obtained and is in full force; (2) COUNTY, its officers, agents, employees, and
18 volunteers are not responsible for any premiums on the policy; and (3)
19 ATTORNEY has waived its right to recover from COUNTY, its officers, agents,
20 employees, and volunteers any amounts paid under any insurance policy
21 required by this Agreement and that waiver does not invalidate the insurance
22 policy.
23 (ii) The comprehensive general liability insurance certificate must also state that: (1)
24 the County of Fresno, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers,
25 individually and collectively, are additional insureds insofar as the operations
26 under this Agreement are concerned; (2) the coverage shall apply as primary
27
10
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 insurance and any other insurance, or self-insurance, maintained by COUNTY
2 shall be excess only and not contributing with insurance provided under
3 ATTORNEY's policy.
4 (iii) The automobile liability insurance certificate must state that the policy covers any
5 auto used in connection with this Agreement.
6 All such insurance policies shall be issued by insurers who have at least have an A.M.
7 Best, Inc. rating of A:VII or greater (except for the Professional Liability Insurance policy, which
8 shall be issued by an insurer who has at least a Standard & Poor's and Fitch's rating of AA-
9 because the specialized carrier is fulfilling a need in a specialty market) and shall be acceptable
10 to COUNTY's Department of Human Resources, Risk Management Division.
11 For each insurance policy required under this Agreement, ATTORNEY shall provide to
12 COUNTY, or ensure that the policy requires the insurer to provide to COUNTY, written notice
13 of any cancellation or change in the policy as required in this paragraph. For cancellation of the
14 policy for nonpayment of premium, ATTORNEY shall, or shall cause the insurer to, provide
15 written notice to COUNTY not less than 10 days in advance of cancellation. For cancellation of
16 the policy for any other reason, and for any other change to the policy, ATTORNEY shall, or
17 shall cause the insurer to, provide written notice to COUNTY not less than 30 days in advance
18 of cancellation or change. COUNTY in its sole discretion may determine that the failure of
19 ATTORNEY or its insurer to timely provide a written notice required by this paragraph is a
20 breach of this Agreement.
21 If ATTORNEY has or obtains insurance with broader coverage, higher limits, or both,
22 than what is required under this Agreement, then COUNTY requires and is entitled to the
23 broader coverage, higher limits, or both. To that end, ATTORNEY shall deliver, or cause its
24 broker or producer to deliver, to COUNTY's Risk Manager copies of insurance policies that have
25 such broader coverage, higher limits, or both, as produced by the broker or producer, and
26 certificates of insurance and endorsements for all of the coverages that have such broader
27
11
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 coverage, higher limits, or both, as required under this Agreement.
2 ATTORNEY waives its right to recover from the County, its officers, agents, employees,
3 and volunteers any amounts paid under the policy of worker's compensation insurance required
4 by this Agreement. ATTORNEY is solely responsible to obtain any policy endorsement that may
5 be necessary to accomplish that waiver, but ATTORNEY's waiver of subrogation under this
6 paragraph is effective whether or not ATTORNEY obtains such an endorsement.
7 If ATTORNEY fails to keep in effect at all times any insurance coverage required under
8 this Agreement, COUNTY may, in addition to any other remedies it may have, suspend or
9 terminate this Agreement upon the occurrence of that failure, or purchase such insurance
10 coverage, and charge the cost of that coverage to ATTORNEY. COUNTY may offset such
11 charges against any amounts owed by COUNTY to ATTORNEY under this Agreement.
12 In addition to its obligations set forth above, ATTORNEY agrees that it shall maintain, at
13 its sole expense, in full force and effect for a period of three (3) years following the termination
14 of this Agreement a policy of professional liability insurance with limits of coverage of not less
15 than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) per covered event; provided, however, in the event that
16 ATTORNEY does not maintain such policy of insurance for such entire three (3) year period,
17 ATTORNEY shall maintain, at its sole expense, in full force and effect extended claims reporting
18 coverage insurance in lieu thereof in the amount of not less than Ten Million Dollars
19 ($10,000,000).
20 If any of the insurance policies required to be maintained under this section 8 of this
21 Agreement have a self-insured retention, such self-insured retentions shall be funded by
22 ATTORNEY and approved by COUNTY's Department of Human Resources, Risk Management
23 Division.
24 The provisions of this section 8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
25 9. Agreement is Binding Upon Successors: This Agreement shall be binding upon
26 COUNTY and ATTORNEY and their respective successors, executors, administrators, legal
27
12
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 representatives, and assigns with respect to all the covenants and conditions set forth herein.
2 10. Assignment and Subcontracting: Notwithstanding anything stated to the contrary
3 in section 9 of this Agreement, neither party hereto shall assign, transfer, or sub-contract this
4 Agreement nor its rights or duties hereunder without the written consent of the other.
5 11. Amendments: This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by the
6 parties hereto.
7 12. Conflict of Interest: ATTORNEY promises, covenants, and warrants that, after
8 having performed a reasonable investigation, the performance of its services and
9 representation to COUNTY under this Agreement do not result in a "conflict of interest."
10 ATTORNEY further promises, covenants, and warrants that it will keep reasonably informed of
11 its services to the COUNTY and other clients to ensure that the performance of its services and
12 representation to COUNTY under this Agreement will not result in a "conflict of interest." In the
13 event a "conflict of interest" occurs, ATTORNEY will request COUNTY's Board of Supervisors
14 to waive such "conflict of interest" on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this paragraph 12,
15 the phrase "conflict of interest" has the same meaning as in the California Rules of Professional
16 Conduct.
17 13. Further Assurances by ATTORNEY: ATTORNEY represents that it has read and
18 is familiar with Government Code §§ 1090 et seq. and §§ 87100 et seq. ATTORNEY promises,
19 covenants, and warrants that, after having performed a reasonable investigation, the
20 performance of its services under this Agreement shall not result in or cause a violation by it of
21 Government Code §§ 1090 et seq. and §§ 87100 et seq.
22 14. Compliance With Laws:ATTORNEY shall comply with all federal, state, and local
23 laws and regulations applicable to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
24 15. Notices: The persons and their addresses having authority to give and receive
25 notices under this Agreement include the following:
26 COUNTY ATTORNEY
27
13
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
County Counsel Jeffrey V. Dunn
1 COUNTY OF FRESNO Best, Best & Krieger, LLP
2220 Tulare Street, 18101 Von Karman Avenue
2 5th Floor Suite 1000
Fresno, CA 93721 Irvine, CA 92612
3
Any and all notices between COUNTY and ATTORNEY provided for or permitted
4
under this Agreement must be in writing and delivered either by personal service, by first-class
5
United States mail, or by an overnight commercial courier service. A notice delivered by
6
personal service is effective upon service to the recipient. A notice delivered by first-class
7
United States mail is effective three (3) COUNTY business days after deposit in the United
8
States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the recipient. A notice delivered by an overnight
9
commercial courier service is effective one (1) COUNTY business day after deposit with the
10
overnight commercial courier service, delivery fees prepaid, with delivery instructions given for
11
next day delivery, addressed to the recipient. For all claims arising out of or related to this
12
Agreement, nothing in this section establishes, waives, or modifies any claims presentation
13
requirements or procedures provided by law, including but not limited to the Government
14
Claims Act (Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code, beginning with section 810).
15
16. Venue and Governing Law: The parties agree that, for purposes of venue,
16
performance under this Agreement is to be in Fresno County, California. The rights and
17
obligations of the parties and all interpretations and performance of this Agreement shall be
18
governed in all respects by the laws of the State of California.
19
17. Disclosure of Self-Dealing Transactions: This provision is only applicable if
20
ATTORNEY is operating as a corporation (a for-profit or non-profit corporation) or if during the
21
term of this Agreement, ATTORNEY changes its status to operate as a corporation.
22
Members of ATTORNEY's Board of Directors shall disclose any self-dealing
23
transactions that they are a party to while ATTORNEY is providing goods or performing services
24
under this Agreement. A self-dealing transaction shall mean a transaction to which the
25
ATTORNEY is a party and in which one or more of its directors has a material financial interest.
26
Members of the Board of Directors shall disclose any self-dealing transactions that they are a
27
14
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
1 party to by completing and signing a Self-Dealing Transaction Disclosure Form (Exhibit A) and
2 submitting it to COUNTY prior to commencing with the self-dealing transaction or immediately
3 thereafter.
4 18. Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
5 COUNTY and ATTORNEY with respect to the specialized legal services to be provided herein
6 and supersedes any previous agreement concerning the subject matter hereof, negotiations,
7 proposals, commitments, writings, or understandings of any nature whatsoever unless
8 expressly included in this Agreement.
9 If any part of this Agreement is found to violate any law or is found to be otherwise legally
10 defective, ATTORNEY and COUNTY shall use their best efforts to replace that part of this
11 Agreement with legal terms and conditions most readily approximating the original intent of the
12 parties.
13 19. Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts,
14 each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall
15 together constitute one and the same instrument.
16 20. Electronic Signatures: The parties agree that this Agreement may be executed
17 by electronic signature as provided in this section. An "electronic signature" means any symbol
18 or process intended by an individual signing this Agreement to represent their signature,
19 including but not limited to (1) a digital signature; (2) a faxed version of an original handwritten
20 signature; or (3) an electronically scanned and transmitted (for example by PDF document)
21 version of an original handwritten signature. Each electronic signature affixed or attached to this
22 Agreement (1) is deemed equivalent to a valid original handwritten signature of the person
23 signing this Agreement for all purposes, including but not limited to evidentiary proof in any
24 administrative or judicial proceeding, and (2) has the same force and effect as the valid original
25 handwritten signature of that person. The provisions of this section satisfy the requirements of
26 Civil Code section 1633.5, subdivision (b), in the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act(Civil Code,
27
15
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22123-12/31/24/5200,000
1 Division 3, Part 2, Title 2.5, beginning with section 1633.1). Each party using a digital signature
2 represents that it has undertaken and satisfied the requirements of Government Code section
3 16.5, subdivision (a), paragraphs (1) through (5), and agrees that each other party may rely
4 upon that representation. This Agreement is not conditioned upon the parties conducting the
5 transactions under it by electronic means and either party may sign this Agreement with an
6 original handwritten signature.
7 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
8 executed as of the day and year first above written.
9 BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP COUNTY OF FRESNO
Digitally signed by Gary
10 l,rnGary Cornuelle Date 202
By \ B 07003.09.2511:39:44
11 y
Gary Cornuelle,
Scott C. Smith Purchasing Manager
12 Partner
13 REVIEWED AND RECOMMENDED FOR
14 APPROVAL:
15 By J
Daniel C. Cederborg,
16 County Counsel
17
ORG: 2540
18 FUND: 0001
ACCOUNT. 7295
19 SUBCLASS: 10000
20
21 BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER,LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
22
23
24
25
26
27
16
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST,BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
EXHIBIT A
SELF-DEALING TRANSACTION DISCLOSURE FORM
In order to conduct business with the County of Fresno ("County"), members of a contractor's board
of directors ("County Contractor"), must disclose any self-dealing transactions that they are a party
to while providing goods, performing services, or both for the County. A self-dealing transaction is
defined below:
"A self-dealing transaction means a transaction to which the corporation is a party and in which one
or more of its directors has a material financial interest"
The definition above will be utilized for purposes of completing this disclosure form.
INSTRUCTIONS
(1) Enter board member's name,job title (if applicable), and date this disclosure is being made.
(2) Enter the board member's company/agency name and address.
(3) Describe in detail the nature of the self-dealing transaction that is being disclosed to the
County. At a minimum, include a description of the following:
a. The name of the agency/company with which the corporation has the transaction;
and
b. The nature of the material financial interest in the Corporation's transaction that
the board member has.
(4) Describe in detail why the self-dealing transaction is appropriate based on applicable
provisions of the Corporations Code.
(5) Form must be signed by the board member that is involved in the self-dealing transaction
described in Sections (3) and (4).
A-1
AGREEMENT NUMBER P-23-517
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP-ADVICE AND LITIGATION
5/22/23-12/31/24/$200,000
(1)Company Board Member Information:
Name: Date:
Job Title:
(2)Company/Agency Name and Address:
(3)Disclosure(Please describe the nature of the self-dealing transaction you are a party to)
(4)Explain why this self-dealing transaction is consistent with the requirements of Corporations Code 5233(a)
(5)Authorized Signature
Signature: Date:
A-2