Local News in Brief : Legal Advice Budget Increased

Due to a substantial increase in lawsuits, including several police brutality suits, the Torrance City Council unanimously approved spending $25,000 more for legal advice.

The additional money, approved Tuesday night, will go to the law firm of Leibert, Cassidy & Frierson, which advises the city on personnel matters, particularly matters involving the police.

This is the second time in nine months that the city has increased the amount of fees it will pay the firm. In November, 1987, the city signed a $10,000 contract with Leibert, Cassidy & Frierson to provide legal advice. In May, 1988, those funds were spent and the city appropriated an additional $20,000.

City Atty. Kenneth Nelson said the additional funds granted this week are needed to pay for legal advice on an increasing number of suits, including nine police brutality lawsuits filed against the city this year.

Last month, when the city’s first-quarter fiscal report was released, city officials expressed concern over the fiscal impact of police-related lawsuits, saying legal fees will be high, as some of the cases are expected to be in court for several years.