REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve Outside Counsel Agreement with Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong LLP for Litigation Services in the Matter of Michael Laurent v. City of Sunnyvale
Report
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
Michael Laurent v. City of Sunnyvale, Case No. 19CV355846, currently pending in Santa Clara County Superior Court, involves Plaintiff Michael Laurent who alleges discrimination, failure to provide reasonable accommodation, retaliation, failure to engage in the interactive process, and failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation. Mr. Laurent was a former employee of the City of Sunnyvale and the causes of action arise from his employment with the City in the Library and Recreation Services Department. The case was set for trial on October 23, 2023; however, the trial did not proceed as there was not an available courtroom. The case was re-set for trial to begin on May 20, 2024, with a settlement conference set prior to the trial date on May 15, 2024. The parties may attempt to settle the matter informally or at the settlement conference prior to proceeding to trial.
Steven P. Shaw and Eric F. Della Santa are attorneys with the law firm of Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong LLP ("Sloan Sakai"). The firm specializes in municipal employment defense. Mr. Shaw and Mr. Della Santa are part of the firm's litigation group that handles litigation, mediations, arbitrations, and trials for municipal clients throughout California. The City Council previously authorized the City Attorney to retain another law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (RTC No. 23-0705) to handle the defense of this matter.
Approval is requested for an Outside Counsel Agreement for up to $300,000 for potential legal expenses, including costs associated with the settlement conference, preparation of witnesses and briefs, and a 10-day trial. Approval of this Agreement will result in a new not-to-exceed amount for legal services, including work performed previously by other law firms, in t...
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