What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Santa Maria seeks proposals from qualified law firms to serve as special counsel and advisor regarding public sector employment and labor law matters. The selected firm will deliver day-to-day legal advice, collective bargaining support, workplace conduct guidance, training services, and oversight of workplace investigations. Eligible proposers must demonstrate at least five years of experience representing California public agencies in employment matters, along with experience advising municipal governments, handling labor negotiations, and managing employment litigation. Firms may submit proposals digitally via email or online, with all submittals due by November 30, 2026. Proposers must submit questions by November 19, 2026. Evaluation criteria include public sector labor law experience weighted at 30% and the cost proposal weighted at 10%. Applicants must submit a fee proposal detailing hourly rates, billing practices, reimbursable expenses, and anticipated rate adjustments alongside proof of professional liability insurance and required City forms.
Scope of work
- Day-to-day employment law advice, consultation, and administrative claims support
- Review of personnel policies, administrative procedures, and employment-related practices
- Labor relations legal support during collective bargaining negotiations and contract administration
- Representation in labor disputes, grievances, arbitrations, and PERB matters
- Personnel and employee relations counseling, Skelly proceedings, and disciplinary document review
- Conducting or providing legal oversight of workplace investigations and preparing reports
- Representation in state/federal employment litigation, administrative hearings, arbitration, and mediation
- Providing training services on discrimination prevention, labor relations, investigations, and workplace conduct
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Public sector labor law experience | 30% |
| Qualifications of assigned attorneys in the areas of labor negotiations and employment law, including PERB and other hearings or litigation | 40% |
| References | 20% |
| Cost proposal | 10% |
Minimum qualifications
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience representing California public agencies in employment and labor law matters
- Significant experience advising municipal governments or other public sector agencies
- Experience representing management in labor negotiations and labor disputes
- Experience handling employment litigation and administrative proceedings
- Knowledge of the MMBA, California labor laws, wage and hour laws, disability accommodation requirements, and public sector employment regulations
Documents to include with your response
- Cover Letter (2-3 Pages)
- Firm Profile and Qualifications with specific question responses
- Assigned Legal Team description
- Public Sector Experience narrative
- Approach to Service Delivery
- Labor Negotiation Experience summary
- At least three public agency references
- Conflicts of Interest disclosures
- Fee Proposal schedule
- Attorney resumes, sample engagement agreement, proof of professional liability insurance, California State Bar information, W-9, non-collusion affidavit, and City-required forms