Project Information

Bid Title

General Counsel Legal Services - Request for Proposals

Issuing Agency

San Lorenzo Valley Water District

Location

California

Published Date

Apr 21, 2026

Closing Date

May 29, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

General Counsel Legal Services - Request for Proposals [Due 5/29]

• General Counsel Legal Service RFP

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

General Counsel Legal Services

San Lorenzo Valley Water District

PROPOSALS DUE BEFORE 3:00 P.M.

ON

May 29, 2026

San Lorenzo Valley Water District · 13060 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(831) 338-2153 · www.slvwd.com

1. INTRODUCTION

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (District) issues this Request for Proposals (RFP)

inviting law firms and individuals with demonstrated experience representing California

water districts and other public water and wastewater agencies to submit proposals to

serve as general counsel for the District, providing general counsel legal services,

representing the District in legal proceedings, and, as determined necessary, managing the

engagement and coordination of special counsel.

The District reserves the right to retain or employ other attorneys or special counsel as may

be needed, in its sole judgment, to take charge of any litigation or legal matters or to assist

the District.

2. BACKGROUND

The District, established in 1941, serves approximately 7,900 service connections and a

population of about 23,200 across several unincorporated communities in Santa Cruz

County, including Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton, Lompico, and Zayante. The District is

governed by a 5 member Board of Directors. The District’s water supply is derived entirely

from the San Lorenzo River watershed, utilizing a combination of surface and groundwater

sources.

SLVWD operates two primary service areas: the North Service Area (21.7 square miles) and

the Felton Service Area (2.2 square miles). The District relies on nine active surface

diversions, one spring, and eight active groundwater wells. Key wellfields include Quail

Hollow, Olympia, and Pasatiempo. Water treatment is provided through the Lyon Surface

Water Treatment Plant, Kirby Treatment Plant, and associated facilities.

3. MINIMUM FIRM REQUIREMENTS

All attorneys performing services for the District on behalf of the firm must be admitted to

practice in the State of California and be members in good standing with the State Bar of

California.

The firm member with primary responsibility for the services provided to the District must

have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience providing general counsel legal services to

California water districts, water or wastewater agencies, or other local public agencies with

utility operations.

The firm must demonstrate substantial legal experience in California in the following

practice areas:

San Lorenzo Valley Water District · 13060 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(831) 338-2153 · www.slvwd.com

 Laws and regulations governing California water districts and other local public

agencies, including applicable provisions of the California Water Code, Government

Code, and related regulatory frameworks;

 General municipal law as it applies to water and wastewater agencies, including

land use, eminent domain, personnel and labor relations, the Ralph M. Brown Act,

the California Public Records Act, and state conflict of interest laws;

 Preparation, review, and adoption of legal opinions, contracts, memoranda of

understanding, resolutions, ordinances, and District policies;

 Representation of public agencies in administrative, regulatory, and judicial

proceedings;

 Management, engagement, and supervision of special counsel in litigation and other

specialized legal matters.

4. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Proposer shall, at its own expense, procure and maintain for the duration of the

Agreement, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which

may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Agreement by the proposer, its

agent, representatives, employees, or subcontractors. Proposer shall also require all of its

subcontractors assigned to provide services to procure and maintain the same insurance

requirement for the duration of the Agreement. Specific insurance requirements are as

follows:

 General Liability Insurance of at least $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and

$2,000,000.00 aggregate liability.

 Worker’s Compensation Insurance at least equal to the State of California required

minimums.

 Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance of at least $1,000,000.00 per

occurrence and $3,000,000.00 annual aggregate liability.

5. SCOPE OF WORK

Counsel is hired by and reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for advising on

all legal matters. The primary responsibilities the District will require of its counsel shall

include, but are not limited to, the following:

San Lorenzo Valley Water District · 13060 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(831) 338-2153 · www.slvwd.com

 Represent and provide legal advice and consultation on a regular basis to the

District and District Staff as requested or required. Contacts are usually made by

email or telephone and same-day response is typically expected.

 Attend Board meetings, currently 2 per month, (unless excused) and be prepared to

advise the Board on matters on the agenda as well as procedural or substantive

issues that arise during the meeting.

 Coordinate and manage the services and costs of all outside or special legal counsel

within budgetary limits as approved by the Board.

 Recommend policies and procedures that comply with the requirements of the law.

 Keep the Board and District Staff informed of legislation or judicial opinions that

have potential impact to the District.

 Prepare, review and revise staff documents, including, but not limited to, initiation

of memorandums concerning legal issues, contracts, agreements, ordinances,

resolutions, land use decisions on appeal, and staff reports for the legal support of

District functions and duties.

 Provide staff assistance, legal research and counseling related to the acquisition or

sale of property, preparation of leases, deeds and easements, agreements, utility

franchise agreements, operations governed by law, liability situations, grant

guidelines, pension law, personnel, employee relations and other matters as

necessary requiring legal advice.

 Provide guidance concerning the requirements of the Brown Act, Conflict of Interest

(AB 1234), the Political Reform Act, the Public Records Act, due process, and other

legal requirements imposed by statute and common law.

 Provide guidance and assist with the Proposition 218 process as it relates to rate

increases by Special Districts.

 Assist with responses to Public Records Act requests.

 Research and interpret laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in order to

prepare legal opinions and to advise the Board and District staff on legal matters

pertaining to District operations.

 Represent the District as requested before other governmental bodies and agencies

to promote the interest of the District.

 Perform other legal duties as may be required by the District as may be necessary to

complete the performance and functions mentioned above.

 Promptly return all phone calls from the Board and District Staff

6. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

All proposals must include and will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

 A detailed scope of services that reflects the firm’s understanding of the District’s

requirements.

San Lorenzo Valley Water District · 13060 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(831) 338-2153 · www.slvwd.com

 Written responses to each of the “Minimum Firm Requirements” listed above,

demonstrating the firm’s experience and expertise for each subject area.

 Any potential conflicts of interest for the firm or its attorneys to provide the District

with the legal services requested through this RFP.

 The lead counsel who will be primarily responsible for providing legal services to

the District, and other attorneys and staff to be assigned to the District’s legal

matters.

 Please include the qualifications, training and certifications of lead counsel and all

other attorneys and staff who will perform the services outlined herein.

 A list of public agencies and/or other nonprofit entities represented by the firm

during the last five (5) years with contact information (including email and phone

number of contact person) for each client and a brief description of the type of

services provided. The District reserves the right to contact any of the references

provided.

 A list of hourly rates and all cost reimbursements to perform the requested legal

services for the District, including rates for lead counsel and all other attorneys and

staff that would perform services for District.

 Provide a sample contract that the firm proposes to use for this

7. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Selection of Proposer to interview with the Board will be based on the contents of their

written proposal. Proposals will be rated according to the following criteria (in no

particular order):

 Depth and breadth of experience and expertise in the practice of law, most

specifically in those areas most often encountered in district operations;

 Understanding of municipal government issues and municipal law;

 Capability to perform legal services promptly and in a manner that permits the

Board and District Staff to meet established deadlines and operate in an effective

and efficient manner;

 Qualifications of the key staff that will be assigned to the District under this

proposal;

 Familiarity with State of California Land Use Law;

 Communication skills;

 References of past or current municipal law clients or municipal practice;

 Proposed fee structure, including but not necessarily limited to, a monthly retainer,

services included in monthly retainer, hourly rates for services not included in

monthly retainer.

 Cost of providing services.

 Results of interviews with the Board.

San Lorenzo Valley Water District · 13060 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(831) 338-2153 · www.slvwd.com

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541110Offices of Lawyers
• NAICS 541199All Other Legal Services

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