The Fillmore City Council majority held interviews for city law firms on July 17 and 18. On the agenda following the interviews is “Discussion and Possible Action to Determine the Process for Negotiation of Legal Services Agreement and Authorize the Steps Necessary to Achieve the Intent of the Council.” In other words, to replace current city legal counsel Ted Schneider. Below are the bids received when Request for Qualifications were sent out by City Manager Yvonne Quiring. How detailed the RFQ’s were is unclear considering the limited proposals sent in by 17 applicants. The proposals are available to the public for review at Fillmore City Hall. In mid-June Mayor Gayle Washburn called Schneider’s law firm and told a senior partner Schneider was not allowed to attend council meetings anymore. No reason has been given by the Mayor for such action, however in a Letter to the Editor (see this page) from Councilmember Brian Sipes, he states “The issue at hand is simply a personnel issue of conduct of City Attorney, Ted Schneider.” Exactly what ‘conduct’ on Mr. Schneider’s part has not been disclosed.

Jones & Mayer, Fullerton. Flat Rate: $150,000/yr. ($12,500/mo.), Litigation Rate $185/hr.
Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP, Los Angeles: CA Rate $185hr., Admin. Rate $200/hr., Litigation Rate $225/hr.
Green, de Bortnowsky, Quintanilla, LLP, Calabasas: Monthly Retainer $3,300, 30 hours, Senior Attorney $150/hr., Junior Attorney $140/hr., Paralegals $110/hr.
Jackson, DeMarco, Tidus, Peckenpaugh, Westlake: CA Rate $285/hr., Litigation Rate $300-$350/hr., Senior Attorney $350/hr., Travel Time Rate $142/hr.
Leibold, McClendon & Mann, Laguna Hills: Monthly Retainer $5,400, Retainer Hours Meetings + 12 hours, CA Rate $205/hr., Paralegals $108/hr.
McDougal, Love, Eckis, Boehmer & Foley, La Mesa: Monthly Retainer $5,500, Retainer Hours 40, CA Rate $155/hr., Paralegal/Law Clerk $85/hr. OR Monthly Retainer $10,000, Retainer hours unlimited (?) for ‘General Services’, all other special services $155/hr.
Nordman, Cormany Hair & Compton, LLP, Oxnard: CA Rate $250/hr., Litigation Rate $300/hr., Paralegals $175/hr, Non Complex Work Partner $240/hr. Associates $230/hr, Complex Work Partner $250/hr., Associates $230/hr., Mileage $0.50 per mile.
Olivarez, Gallagher & Padilla, Los Angeles: Non complex Partner $240/hr., Non Complex Associate $230/hr., Complex Partner $250/hr., Complex Associate $230/hr.
Richards, Watson Gershon, Los Angeles: Monthly Retainer $7,500, Retainer Hours unclear, CA Rate unclear, Admin. Rate unclear, Litigation Rate $275/hr., Code Prosecution Services $195/hr., Paralegal $150/hr.
Martin D Koczanowicz, Moorpark: Monthly Retainer $8,500, CA Rate $180/hr., Litigation Rate $220/hr., Paralegal $110/hr.
Rutan & Tucker, LLP., Costa Mesa: Monthly Retainer $2,000, CA Rate $229/hr.
Best, Best & Krieger LLP., Los Angeles: Monthly Retainer $3,500, Retainer Hours 19, CA Rate $205/hr., Paralegals $145/hr.; Litigation Partners $265/hr., Associates $240/hr., Paralegals $165/hr.; Complex Special Services $305/hr. for Partners, $250/hr. for Associates, $165/hr. for Paralegals.
Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones & Schneider, LLP, Ventura: Monthly Retainer $2,500, No Limit on Mtg Hours, CA Rate $150/hr., Litigation Rate $195/hr., Paralegals/Legal Asst. $55-$125/hr., Complex Partner $305/hr., Special Legal $265/hr.
Aleshire & Wynder, Irvine: Retainer Hours Up to 50 Hours, CA Rate $155/hr., Litigation Rate $195/hr., Special Legal $195/hr. Above 50 Hours CA Rate $175/hr.
Alvarez-Glasman & Clovin, City of Industry: Monthly Retainer $5,000, Retainer Hours 30, CA Rate $185/hr., litigation Rate $240/hr., Senior Attorney $300/hr., Special Legal $230/hr., Costs vary per Attorney from $200 to $275/hr., $190/hr. for ‘remaining Associates/Deputy City Attorneys’, Paralegal/Law Clerks $110/hr., Mileage $0.55/mi.
Cota Cole, Roseville: Monthly Retainer $3,500, Retainer Hours 20, CA Rate $165/hr. w/Paralegal $125/hr., Litigation Rate $195/hr. w/Paralegal $140/hr.
Wallin, Kress, Reisman, Kranitz, LLP., Santa Monica: Monthly Retainer $4,500, meetings+10 Hours non-litigation, CA Rate $175/hr., Litigation Rate $215/hr.