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Request for Proposals (RFP) for
Town Attorney Legal Services
Prepared by:
Pamela Antil, Interim Town Manager
Issued: October 14, 2026
Proposals Due by
4:00 P.M. PDT on November 12, 2026
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Table of Contents
1. RFP Overview 3
2. Town Background and Current Legal Services Model 4
3. Scope of Services 5
4. Minimum Qualifications 7
5. Proposal Submission Requirements 8
6. Fee Proposal and Billing Requirements 11
7. Transition and Service Expectations 12
8. Proposal Evaluation and Selection 13
9. RFP Terms and Conditions 14
10. Insurance and Contract Requirements 15
Appendix A. Fee Proposal Form 17
Appendix B. Proposal Submission Checklist 19
Attachments / Appendices:
1. Appendix A - Fee Proposal Form
2. Appendix B - Proposal Submission Checklist
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1. RFP Overview
1A. Introduction and Purpose
1A1. The Town of Woodside ("Town") is soliciting proposals from qualified California law
firms to provide comprehensive municipal legal services and to serve as the Town
Attorney. The Town seeks a responsive, practical, and trusted legal partner with
substantial experience advising California general law cities and towns.
1A2. The selected firm will designate a principal attorney to serve as Town Attorney. The
Town Attorney is appointed by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Town
Council, and will work closely with the Town Manager and Town staff in the day-to-
day conduct of Town business. The Town Attorney and other attorneys providing
services under the agreement will be independent contractors and not Town
employees.
1A3. The Town anticipates entering into an initial three-year Legal Services Agreement,
with options to extend by mutual agreement. Notwithstanding any stated term, the
Town Attorney will continue to serve at the pleasure of the Town Council and the
agreement will contain termination provisions acceptable to the Town.
1B. Town Objectives
• Obtain high-quality, practical, and timely municipal legal advice that supports
informed decision-making by the Town Council and staff.
• Maintain a strong working relationship between the Town Attorney, Town Council,
Town Manager, department heads, and staff while preserving the Town Attorney's
independent professional judgment.
• Receive proactive advice regarding changes in law, emerging legal risks, and options
for achieving Town objectives within acceptable levels of legal risk.
• Control legal costs through efficient staffing, transparent billing, matter management,
and appropriate use of specialized counsel.
• Ensure continuity of service through adequate firm depth, backup coverage, and an
orderly transition from the incumbent legal services provider.
1C. Selection Process
1C1. Town staff and/or designated evaluators will conduct a preliminary review of
proposals for responsiveness, qualifications, references, conflicts, and proposed fees.
The Town may request written clarifications or additional information.
1C2. The Town Council expects to interview a short list of the most qualified proposers.
Interview format and location will be communicated to finalists. The Town Council will
make the final selection in its sole discretion and may direct staff to negotiate a Legal
Services Agreement with the selected proposer.
1C3. If the Town is unable to reach satisfactory agreement terms with the highest-ranked
proposer, the Town may discontinue negotiations and negotiate with another
proposer.
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1D. RFP Schedule
RFP Event Date
Town issues RFP October 14, 2026
Deadline to submit written questions October 28, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Town issues responses / addenda November 3, 2026
Deadline for receipt of proposals November 12, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Town Council finalist interviews To be determined
Following the proposal deadline, the Town anticipates a multi-week evaluation and due
diligence period to allow for preliminary review, Town Council finalist interviews, background
and reference checks, conflict and professional-history review, and agreement discussions
before final Council consideration. The Town reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to revise
this schedule. Any material changes will be communicated by addendum.
1E. RFP Coordinator and Communications
All communications, questions, requests for clarification, and proposal submissions
concerning this RFP shall be directed only to:
Pamela Antil, Interim Town Manager / RFP Coordinator
Town of Woodside
2955 Woodside Road
Woodside, CA 94062
Email: pantil@woodsideca.gov
From the issue date through completion of the selection process, proposers shall not
contact Town Councilmembers, other Town officials, employees, consultants, or advisors
regarding this solicitation except through the RFP Coordinator or as expressly authorized
by the Town. Unauthorized communications may be grounds for disqualification.
1F. Questions, Addenda, and Optional Notice of Intent
Prospective proposers may, but are not required to, submit a Notice of Intent to Propose
at any time prior to the proposal deadline. The notice should identify the firm, the
principal contact, contact information, and a brief statement of intent to submit a
proposal. The Town may post addenda and written responses to questions on its website
and may also distribute them to firms that submitted a Notice of Intent. Proposers are
responsible for reviewing all addenda before submitting a proposal.
2. Town Background and Current Legal Services Model
2A. About the Town
The Town of Woodside is a California general law municipality incorporated in 1956 and
operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Five Town Councilmembers
are elected to four-year terms. The Town Council annually selects a Mayor and Vice
Mayor from among its members and appoints the Town Manager and Town Attorney.
The population of the Town was 5,309 at the 2020 census. Woodside is 11.8 square miles
and located in San Mateo County. Town services and infrastructure include land use
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planning and building regulation, engineering and public works, pathways and trails,
open space, sewer infrastructure, finance, human resources, code compliance, and
general administration. Several major services are provided through contracts or other
public agencies.
The Town's small organizational structure requires outside legal counsel to operate as an
extension of the Town's executive and departmental team. The selected Town Attorney
should be comfortable advising on high-visibility residential land use matters, hillside
development, grading and geotechnical issues, easements and rights-of-way, pathways
and trails, state housing mandates, public contracting, intergovernmental agreements,
and other matters common to a highly engaged residential community.
2B. Town Council and Meeting Expectations
Regular Town Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Tuesday of
each month, with a summer recess typically occurring in August. The selected Town
Attorney should anticipate attendance at all regular Town Council meetings, closed
sessions, special meetings, and study sessions as requested. Attendance at Planning
Commission meetings and other committees, commissions, or ad hoc bodies will be
required as described in the Scope of Services or as requested by the Town.
2C. Current Legal Services Model
The Town has historically contracted with outside law firms for Town Attorney services.
The Town may also retain separate or specialized counsel for particular matters,
including conflicts, litigation, labor and employment, code enforcement, or other areas
requiring specialized expertise. The selected Town Attorney will be expected to
coordinate effectively with any such counsel and to protect the Town from duplicative
effort and unnecessary legal expense.
3. Scope of Services
The following scope describes the Town's expected core legal services. The Town may
add, delete, or modify assignments based on operational needs. Proposers should clearly
identify any service they believe should be treated as specialized or outside the
proposed base retainer.
3A. General Counsel and Governance
• Provide clear, concise, practical, and timely legal advice to the Town Council, Town
Manager, department heads, staff, and authorized boards, commissions, and
committees.
• Attend regular and special Town Council meetings, study sessions, and closed sessions;
advise on agenda items, parliamentary procedure, procedural requirements, and legal
issues that arise during meetings.
• Attend Planning Commission meetings as requested and provide legal support for land
use hearings, appeals, findings, conditions of approval, and related procedural
matters.
• Provide guidance regarding the Ralph M. Brown Act, California Public Records Act,
Political Reform Act, Government Code Section 1090, AB 1234 ethics requirements,
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elections law, due process, conflicts of interest, and other open-government and
public integrity requirements.
• Review agendas and staff reports for legal issues when requested and help staff
identify legal risks early enough to permit practical solutions.
• Prepare or review ordinances, resolutions, policies, contracts, agreements,
memoranda, notices, forms, leases, deeds, easements, and other legal documents;
approve documents as to form when appropriate.
• Research and provide written or oral legal opinions as requested by the Town Council
or Town Manager.
• Provide training to Councilmembers, commissioners, committee members, and staff on
municipal law topics as requested.
3B. Land Use, Housing, Environmental, and Code Matters
• Advise on general plans, zoning, subdivisions, development review, conditional use
permits, variances, appeals, enforcement procedures, vested rights, exactions, takings,
and other land use matters.
• Provide counsel on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and related
environmental review requirements.
• Advise on state and federal housing laws, Housing Element implementation, density
bonus law, accessory dwelling units, ministerial approval requirements, and other
evolving housing mandates.
• Provide legal review involving the Town's distinctive development standards, including
hillside development, grading, geotechnical constraints, private road and trail
easements, pathways, dedications, rights-of-way, and open-space issues.
• Assist with drafting and updating the Town Municipal Code, Zoning Code, and
implementing regulations.
• Coordinate with specialized code enforcement counsel when retained by the Town and
provide general municipal-law support for code compliance matters.
3C. Public Works, Real Property, Contracts, and Finance
• Advise on public works contracting, procurement, prevailing wage requirements,
bidding, construction claims, professional services agreements, and contract
administration.
• Provide legal services concerning property acquisition and disposition, easements,
dedications, encroachments, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, and public
improvements.
• Advise on interagency agreements, joint powers agreements, franchises, service
contracts, and relationships with other public agencies and service providers.
• Advise regarding taxes, assessments, rates, fees, Proposition 218, cost recovery, debt or
financing matters, and other municipal finance issues as requested.
3D. Employment, Labor, Risk, Claims, and Litigation
• Provide general advice regarding public employment, personnel policies, discipline,
workplace investigations, leave, wage and hour issues, pensions, and labor relations,
including the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act.
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• Advise on tort liability, risk management, claims, indemnity, insurance, and strategies to
reduce municipal exposure.
• Represent, coordinate, or advise the Town in litigation and administrative proceedings
not handled by the Town's risk pool or separately retained counsel, as directed by the
Town Council.
• Oversee and coordinate outside or special counsel, including litigation counsel, to
ensure consistent strategy, effective communication, and cost control.
• Keep the Town Council and Town Manager informed of significant developments in
litigation and other material legal matters.
3E. Legislative Monitoring and Proactive Advice
• Monitor significant state and federal legislation, regulations, and court decisions
affecting California municipalities and advise the Town of material changes.
• Provide practical recommendations for policy, code, contract, or operational changes
needed for compliance or risk reduction.
• Proactively identify emerging legal issues and, when appropriate, present reasonable
options with an explanation of relative legal risk, cost, timing, and operational
implications.
3F. Availability
• Provide a designated Town Attorney who will serve as the primary point of contact and
who has authority within the firm to manage the Town's work and staffing.
• Provide prompt responses to routine telephone and email requests, generally the same
or next business day, and immediate attention to urgent matters.
• Provide reliable backup coverage when the designated Town Attorney is unavailable
and an after-hours contact for urgent legal matters.
4. Minimum Qualifications
Proposals should demonstrate that the firm and proposed attorneys satisfy the following
minimum or preferred qualifications. The Town may determine that equivalent
experience satisfies a stated preference.
• All attorneys who will provide legal advice to the Town must be active members in good
standing of the State Bar of California throughout the term of the agreement.
• The firm should have at least five years of substantial experience representing
California municipalities. The proposed Town Attorney should preferably have at least
ten years of California municipal law experience and meaningful current or recent
experience serving as a city or town attorney, assistant city attorney, or equivalent
municipal counsel.
• Demonstrated expertise in general municipal law, open government, ethics, public
records, land use and housing, CEQA, public contracting, public works, real property,
employment and labor, municipal finance, risk management, and litigation oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear, concise, practical advice and to communicate
effectively in public meetings with elected officials, staff, applicants, residents, and
other stakeholders.
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• Adequate staffing depth and subject-matter resources to provide continuity, timely
response, and specialized support without excessive duplication or unnecessary
handoffs.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, integrity, professionalism, and an ability to work
collaboratively while maintaining independent professional advice.
• Ability to identify and manage actual and potential conflicts of interest, including a
process for prompt conflicts checks and use of conflict counsel when necessary.
• Sufficient workload capacity and geographic availability to satisfy meeting,
responsiveness, and transition requirements.
5. Proposal Submission Requirements
5A. Submittal Instructions
5A1. Proposals must be received by the Town no later than 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on
November 12, 2026. Late proposals may be rejected.
5A2. Submit one electronic proposal in searchable PDF format by email to
pantil@woodsideca.gov with the subject line: "Town Attorney Legal Services RFP." If file
size requires a secure file-transfer link, the proposer must coordinate delivery with the
RFP Coordinator before the deadline.
5A3. Proposals should be concise and focused on the information requested. Marketing
brochures and extraneous materials are discouraged. The Town recommends a
proposal length of no more than 30 pages, excluding resumes, the fee proposal form,
and requested attachments.
5A4. Submission of a proposal constitutes the proposer's acknowledgment that it has
reviewed this RFP and all addenda and has developed an informed understanding of
the requested services. Any material assumptions, exceptions, or requested contract
modifications must be clearly identified.
5B. Required Proposal Format
Proposals should be organized in the following order and labeled accordingly:
1. Cover Letter
2. Table of Contents
3. Executive Summary and Service Philosophy
4. Firm Information and Background
5. Proposed Town Attorney and Legal Team
6. Relevant Municipal Experience and Qualifications
7. Approach to Service Delivery, Responsiveness, and Cost Control
8. Current Clients, Conflicts, and Professional Responsibility Disclosures
9. Transition Plan
10. Training and Legislative Support
11. References
12. Fee Proposal
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13. Contract / RFP Exceptions
14. Additional Information
5C. Cover Letter
• Signed by an individual authorized to bind the firm.
• Identify the proposed Town Attorney and the principal contact for the proposal.
• Provide a high-level statement of the firm's qualifications and interest in serving the
Town.
• Confirm that the proposal will remain valid for at least 120 days after the proposal
deadline.
• Confirm the firm has completed a preliminary conflict review and identify any known
actual or potential conflicts requiring further analysis or waiver.
• Confirm the ability to meet the insurance requirements in Section 10 or clearly identify
any requested exception.
5D. Executive Summary and Service Philosophy
Provide a concise overview of the firm's proposed approach and respond to the following:
1. Describe your view of the role of a contract Town Attorney in a small, highly engaged
community.
2. Describe how you provide pragmatic legal advice when multiple legally permissible
options carry different levels of risk.
3. Describe how you keep the Town Council and Town Manager informed about
significant legal matters without overwhelming the organization with unnecessary
detail.
4. Describe how your firm controls legal costs, avoids duplication, manages staff matters
efficiently, and alerts clients when a matter is likely to exceed expected cost or scope.
5. Describe how you proactively identify legal developments or risks that may affect a
municipal client.
6. Describe your approach to maintaining productive relationships with elected officials
and staff while preserving independent professional judgment.
5E. Firm Information and Background
• Legal entity name, form of organization, Federal Employer Identification Number,
headquarters, and office(s) that will serve the Town.
• Number of years the firm has provided municipal legal services in California and a
brief organizational history.
• Number of attorneys and non-attorney support staff available to serve the Town,
including municipal-law subject matter resources.
• Normal business hours and the geographic location from which routine Town services
will be provided.
• Any ownership, affiliate, or subsidiary relationships relevant to the proposal.
5F. Proposed Town Attorney and Legal Team
• Identify the attorney proposed to serve as Town Attorney and the attorney who will
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serve as primary backup.
• Provide resumes for the proposed Town Attorney, backup attorney, and other key
attorneys likely to provide regular service, including education, State Bar admission,
municipal appointments, years of experience, and relevant practice areas.
• Describe the expected roles of partners/shareholders, associates, paralegals, and
other personnel, and how assignments will be made to control costs.
• Describe how the firm cross-trains and provides continuity during vacations, illness,
emergencies, turnover, or competing client demands.
• List the current public-agency meeting commitments of the proposed Town Attorney
that could affect availability for Woodside meetings.
5G. Relevant Experience and Qualifications
Describe representative experience in the areas listed below, emphasizing work for
California general law municipalities and communities with characteristics or legal
issues comparable to Woodside:
• General municipal governance, Brown Act, Public Records Act, ethics, conflicts, and
elections.
• Residential land use, zoning, planning, CEQA, housing legislation, ADUs, subdivisions,
and code compliance.
• Hillside development, grading, geotechnical issues, easements, dedications,
pathways/trails, rights-of-way, and real property.
• Public works, procurement, contracts, franchises, and interagency agreements.
• Public employment, personnel, labor relations, investigations, and pensions.
• Municipal finance, fees, assessments, Proposition 218, and risk management.
• Litigation, administrative proceedings, claims, and management of specialized outside
counsel.
5H. Current Clients, Conflicts, and Professional Responsibility Disclosures
• List all California public agencies for which the proposed Town Attorney currently
serves as city/town attorney, assistant city/town attorney, general counsel, or in a
comparable recurring role.
• Identify any current representation that creates or could reasonably create a conflict
of interest with the Town, and describe the proposed approach to resolving or
managing the conflict.
• Identify material matters during the last five years in which the firm has been adverse
to the Town of Woodside or, if relevant to anticipated Town work, the County of San
Mateo or another agency with which the Town has a significant contractual relationship.
• Disclose any public State Bar discipline during the last ten years involving the proposed
Town Attorney or primary backup attorney.
• Describe any termination or non-renewal of a municipal general-counsel relationship
involving the proposed Town Attorney during the last five years, if material to the
Town's evaluation. The Town recognizes that attorney-client confidentiality may limit
the detail that can be provided.
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5I. Transition Plan
Provide a practical 30/60/90-day transition plan describing how the firm would assume
responsibility with minimal disruption. Address file transfer, matter inventories, deadlines,
conflicts, relationships with existing special counsel, document and knowledge transfer,
pending litigation or claims, and initial meetings with the Town Council, Town Manager,
and key staff. Identify any information or assistance the firm would need from the Town
or incumbent counsel.
5J. Training and Legislative Support
Describe the types of training and legal updates the firm provides to municipal clients,
including open government, ethics, conflicts, public records, land use and housing,
personnel, and other new laws. Identify whether routine alerts, briefings, or client trainings
are included in the proposed retainer or otherwise billed.
5K. References
Provide three to five references for comparable California municipal legal services,
including at least two current or recent city/town attorney clients. The Town prefers
references from smaller or similarly situated municipalities where feasible. For each
reference provide: entity name; contact name and title; phone and email; scope of
services; dates/duration of service; and the identity of the attorney(s) who performed the
work. By submitting a proposal, the proposer authorizes the Town to contact listed
references and other public clients as part of due diligence.
5L. Contract and RFP Exceptions
Clearly identify any exceptions to this RFP, requested changes to anticipated contractual
terms, assumptions affecting scope or price, or inability to meet a requirement. Failure to
identify an exception may be considered acceptance of the requirement for purposes of
negotiation.
6. Fee Proposal and Billing Requirements
6A. Pricing Structure
The Town is seeking a fee structure that is transparent, predictable, and easy to
administer. Proposers shall complete Appendix A and may propose a monthly retainer /
hybrid model, an hourly model, or another clearly described alternative. For comparison
purposes, each proposal must identify a monthly retainer option for core Town Attorney
services, even if the proposer recommends an alternative structure.
The monthly retainer proposal should address regular Town Council meeting
attendance, routine closed sessions and special meetings, Planning Commission
support as proposed, and availability provided through a combination of in-person and
remote teleconferencing, routine telephone and email consultation, agenda/staff
document review, basic drafting and legal research, and other general-counsel work.
Proposers shall clearly identify any exclusions, hour caps, or assumptions.
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6B. Required Fee Information
• Monthly retainer amount and a detailed description of included services, assumptions,
and any included hour limits.
• Hourly rates for the proposed Town Attorney, backup Town Attorney,
partners/shareholders, of counsel, associates, paralegals, and other billable personnel
for work outside the retainer.
• Hourly rates or alternative pricing for litigation and other specialized services, with a
description of the work treated as specialized.
• Billing increment used by the firm (for example, 0.1 hour) and any minimum charge
policies.
• All reimbursable expenses, markups, travel charges, administrative charges,
technology charges, or other pass-through costs. Routine local travel and ordinary
office overhead should be included in the proposed fees unless clearly disclosed
otherwise.
• Rate-guarantee period and any proposed annual escalation methodology.
• Any alternative fee arrangement the proposer believes would provide better value to the
Town.
6C. Billing and Cost Management
• Invoices should be submitted monthly and itemized by matter, date, timekeeper, task
description, department coding, time, rate, and amount, except to the extent a fixed
retainer covers the service.
• The selected firm will be expected to use the lowest-cost qualified professional
appropriate for each task and to avoid unnecessary multiple-attorney attendance,
internal conferences, duplicative review, or excessive research.
• The Town expects advance communication when a matter is likely to require
significant unbudgeted work or when the firm recommends use of specialized or
outside counsel.
• Proposers should describe matter-budgeting, reporting, alternative fee, or other
practices used to control municipal legal spending.
7. Transition and Service Expectations
7A. Transition
The selected firm will be expected to coordinate a professional transition with the
incumbent counsel, Town staff, and existing special counsel. The transition should protect
attorney-client privilege, preserve deadlines and records, minimize duplicate billing, and
maintain continuity on pending matters. Any significant transition costs should be
disclosed in the fee proposal.
7B. Relationship Management and Reporting
• Establish a clear primary contact and escalation process for Town staff.
• Provide the Town Manager with periodic updates on significant matters, expected
deadlines, and material budget issues.
• Maintain organized matter files and return or transfer Town records promptly upon
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request or termination of the agreement, subject to applicable ethical obligations.
• Coordinate with the Town's risk pool, insurers, consultants, and other legal counsel
when authorized.
• Participate in periodic performance and service discussions with the Town Council and
Town Manager as requested.
7C. Confidentiality and Cybersecurity
The selected firm must maintain attorney-client confidences and Town records in
accordance with applicable law and professional obligations. The firm should maintain
reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for confidential electronic
information and promptly notify the Town of any security incident materially affecting
Town information.
8. Proposal Evaluation and Selection
8A. Evaluation Criteria
The Town will evaluate proposals based on overall qualifications, demonstrated fit with
the Town's needs, and best value rather than price alone. The anticipated evaluation
criteria are:
Evaluation Criterion Weight
Municipal law qualifications and relevant experience 30%
Proposed Town Attorney / team, responsiveness, availability, and
continuity
20%
Fee structure, cost-control approach, and overall value 20%
References, professional reputation, integrity, and conflict considerations 15%
Interview / presentation 15%
8B. Evaluation Process
8B1. Responsiveness Review. The Town may reject proposals that are incomplete,
materially nonresponsive, or fail to satisfy mandatory requirements.
8B2. Written Proposal Evaluation. Responsive proposals will be evaluated against the
criteria above. The Town may conduct reference checks, review public information,
and request clarifications.
8B3. Finalist Interviews. The Town may invite a short list of proposers to interview with the
Town Council and/or designated evaluators. Finalists may be asked to address
hypothetical municipal-law scenarios, staffing and availability, transition, conflicts,
and fee structure.
8B4. Selection and Negotiation. The Town Council will determine the proposer it believes
best meets the Town's needs. The Town may negotiate scope, staffing, fees, contract
terms, and other matters with the selected proposer. If negotiations are
unsuccessful, the Town may negotiate with another proposer.
8B5. No Award Obligation. This RFP does not obligate the Town to award a contract,
reimburse proposal costs, or select the lowest-cost proposal.
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9. RFP Terms and Conditions
9A. Town Rights
The Town reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to:
• Reject any or all proposals, waive informalities or minor irregularities, or cancel and
reissue this RFP.
• Amend the RFP or schedule by written addendum.
• Request clarification, supplemental information, interviews, or best-and-final
proposals.
• Conduct independent reference checks and due diligence concerning proposers and
proposed attorneys.
• Negotiate with one or more proposers and accept other than the lowest-priced
proposal.
• Modify the scope of services before or during contract negotiations.
• Retain separate or special counsel for any matter, including conflicts or specialized
legal services.
• Select no proposer if the Town determines that doing so is in its best interest.
9B. Proposal Costs and Ownership
All costs of preparing, submitting, and presenting a proposal are the sole responsibility of
the proposer. Proposals and related materials submitted to the Town become Town
records and will not be returned.
9C. Public Records and Confidential Information
Proposals are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act (Government
Code section 7920.000 et seq.) and other applicable law. A proposer claiming that
specific information is exempt from disclosure must clearly identify the information and
the legal basis for the claimed exemption. Designating an entire proposal as confidential
or proprietary is not acceptable. The Town will make disclosure determinations in
accordance with law and does not guarantee that material marked confidential will be
withheld. Proposers should not submit information that they are prohibited from
disclosing.
9D. Proposal Validity, Withdrawal, and Errors
• Proposals shall remain valid for at least 120 days after the proposal deadline and, if
selected for negotiation, through completion of negotiations unless otherwise agreed.
• A proposer may withdraw its proposal by written notice received by the RFP
Coordinator before the proposal deadline.
• Proposers are responsible for errors or omissions in their proposals. After the deadline,
changes may be made only at the Town's request or with the Town's written approval.
9E. Collusion, Gratuities, and Nondiscrimination
By submitting a proposal, the proposer represents that the proposal is genuine, was
prepared independently, and is not the result of collusion intended to restrict
competition. No proposer shall offer any gratuity, gift, discount, employment, or other
improper benefit to a Town official, employee, or representative in connection with this
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procurement. The selected firm must comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws.
9F. Licensure and Conflicts
Each attorney providing legal services must maintain all licenses and professional
qualifications required by law. Proposers must disclose known actual or potential
conflicts and cooperate with additional conflicts checks requested by the Town. The
Town may disqualify a proposer if a conflict cannot be resolved to the Town's
satisfaction.
9G. No Attorney-Client Relationship During Procurement
Submission of a proposal, participation in an interview, or other communication during
this procurement does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship with the Town.
Proposers should not request confidential Town information except as authorized by the
RFP Coordinator. Any confidential information shared by the Town during the
procurement shall be handled in accordance with instructions provided by the Town and
applicable law.
9H. RFP and Proposal in Final Agreement
The Town may incorporate this RFP, the selected proposal, written clarifications, and
negotiated modifications into the final Legal Services Agreement. The final agreement will
control in the event of a conflict among documents.
10. Insurance and Contract Requirements
10A. Insurance
The selected firm will be required to maintain insurance acceptable to the Town.
Anticipated minimum limits are shown below and may be modified during contract
negotiations based on the Town's standard requirements and risk review.
Insurance Category Anticipated Minimum Limit
Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions $2,000,000 per claim
Commercial General Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence /
$2,000,000 aggregate
Automobile Liability $1,000,000 per accident
Workers' Compensation Statutory requirements
Employer's Liability $1,000,000 per accident
10B. Indemnification and Professional Obligations
The final agreement will contain indemnification, defense, insurance, confidentiality,
records, termination, and other provisions appropriate for professional legal services.
Proposers should identify any material exception to the anticipated requirement that the
firm be responsible for claims, damages, or losses arising from the firm's negligent acts,
errors, omissions, or other wrongful conduct, subject to the final negotiated agreement
and applicable law.
10C. Contract Term and Termination
The Town anticipates an initial three-year agreement, with possible extensions. The Town
Attorney serves at the pleasure of the Town Council. The final agreement is expected to
permit the Town to terminate services upon written notice and to require the firm to
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cooperate in an orderly transfer of files and matters upon termination.
10D. Business License and Other Requirements
The selected firm will be responsible for obtaining any business license or other
authorization required to perform services for the Town and for complying with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws and professional rules.
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Appendix A. Fee Proposal Form
Proposer Name:
Proposers may attach supplemental pricing detail, but this form should be completed to
facilitate comparison. All fees should be stated in U.S. dollars.
A1. Monthly Retainer Option
Monthly retainer amount $
Included Council / special meeting assumptions
Included Planning Commission assumptions
Any monthly hour cap or other limitation
Describe services included in the monthly retainer and all exclusions:
A2. Hourly Rates for Work Outside the Retainer
Timekeeper / Classification Name (if applicable) Hourly
Rate
Proposed Town Attorney $
Primary Backup Town Attorney $
Partner / Shareholder $
Of Counsel $
Senior Associate $
Associate $
Paralegal / Law Clerk $
Other $
A3. Specialized Services / Litigation
Describe services considered specialized or outside the base retainer and provide
applicable rates or alternative pricing:
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A4. Expenses, Billing Practices, and Rate Adjustments
Billing increment:
Routine local travel charges:
Other reimbursable expenses / markups:
Rate guarantee period:
Proposed annual rate adjustment after guarantee period:
Transition / onboarding charges, if any:
A5. Alternative Fee Proposal (Optional)
Describe any alternative fee arrangement the proposer believes will provide superior
value or predictability to the Town:
19
Appendix B. Proposal Submission Checklist
This checklist is provided for convenience. Proposers remain responsible for all
requirements in the RFP.
☐ Proposal submitted by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on November 12, 2026.
☐ Searchable PDF submitted to the RFP Coordinator with the required subject line.
☐ Cover Letter signed by an authorized representative.
☐ Proposal valid for at least 120 days.
☐ Executive Summary and Service Philosophy included.
☐ Firm Information and Background included.
☐ Proposed Town Attorney and backup attorney identified; resumes included.
☐ Relevant municipal experience and qualifications addressed.
☐ Current clients, conflicts, and requested professional responsibility disclosures addressed.
☐ 30/60/90-day transition plan included.
☐ Training and legislative support described.
☐ Three to five municipal references provided.
☐ Appendix A Fee Proposal Form completed.
☐ All RFP / anticipated contract exceptions clearly identified.
☐ Ability to meet insurance requirements confirmed or exceptions identified.
☐ All addenda reviewed and acknowledged.
END OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
- Email
- pantil@woodsideca.gov
- Pages
- 19
- Excerpt
- 1
Request for Proposals (RFP) for
Town Attorney Legal Services
Prepared by:
Pamela Antil, Interim Town Manager
Issued: October 14, 2026
Proposals Due by
4:00 P.M. PDT on November 12, 2026
2
Table of Contents
1. RFP Overview 3
2. Town Background and Current Legal Services Model 4
3. Scope of Services 5
4. Minimum Qualifications 7
5. Proposal Submission Requirements 8
6. Fee Proposal and Billing Requirements 11
7. Transition and Service Expectations 12
8. Proposal Evaluation and Selection 13
9. RFP Terms and Conditions 14
10. Insurance and Contract Requirements 15
Appendix A. Fee Proposal Form 17
Appendix B. Proposal Submission Checklist 19
Attachments / Appendices:
1. Appendix A - Fee Proposal Form
2. Appendix B - Proposal Submission Checklist
3
1. RFP Overview
1A. Introduction and Purpose
1A1. The Town of Woodside ("Town") is soliciting proposals from qualified California law
firms to provide comprehensive municipal legal services and to serve as the Town
Attorney. The Town seeks a responsive, practical, and trusted legal partner with
substantial experience advising California general law cities and towns.
1A2. The selected firm will designate a principal attorney to serve as Town Attorney. The
Town Attorney is appointed by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Town
Council, and will work closely with the Town Manager and Town staff in the day-to-
day conduct of Town business. The Town Attorney and other attorneys providing
services under the agreement will be independent contractors and not Town
employees.
1A3. The Town anticipates entering into an initial three-year Legal Services Agreement,
with options to extend by mutual agreement.
