TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Sheryl L. Bratton, County Counsel
REPORT BY: Brandon Aguilera, Paralegal
SUBJECT: Agreement with Thomson Reuters for Westlaw legal research software
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Agreement No. 260251B with Thomson Reuters to provide Westlaw legal research software for a maximum amount of $32,196 for the term of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with two annual renewals and a 5% increase each subsequent year. (Fiscal Impact: $32,196 Expense, County Counsel and Child Support Services; Budgeted; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
County Counsel and Child Support Services require legal research software to access published court opinions and other research sources. County Counsel's Office does not have a law library. Thomson Reuters provides Westlaw legal research software that fulfills this need.
Requested Action:
Approve and authorize Agreement No. 260251B with Thomson Reuters to provide Westlaw legal research software for a maximum amount of $32,196 for the term of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with two annual renewals and a 5% increase each subsequent year
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
County Counsel and Child Support Services |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
County Counsel is currently using Westlaw for its legal research software. The existing agreement expires December 30, 2025. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Costs for services under this agreement have been included in the current fiscal year and will be appropriated accordingly in future fiscal years. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
County Counsel would have to look for other ways to conduct legal research, such as establish and stocking a law library. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.