Description
Title: Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the legal services agreement with Richards Rodriguez & Skeith for representation of the City of Austin and several individual officers in Glen and Mindy Shield v. City of Austin, No. 1:25-cv-01210-DAE, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division in the amount of $455,500 for a total contract amount not to exceed $609,500. Funding: Available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Liability Reserve Budget.
Summary
The City of Austin is considering an amendment to its legal services agreement with the law firm Richards Rodriguez & Skeith. This amendment pertains to the ongoing civil rights lawsuit, Glen and Mindy Shield v. City of Austin, in which the city and certain police officers are defendants. The proposed funding for this legal representation is $455,500, bringing the total contract amount to a maximum of $609,500. The funds are allocated from the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Liability Reserve Budget. This case arises from a SWAT raid conducted by the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, highlighting issues related to law enforcement practices and civil rights. The outcome of this case could impact city policies and community trust in law enforcement.