Legal Services

Stockton Unified School District is requesting proposals to establish a qualified pool of law firms and legal service providers for ongoing counsel and representation across multiple practice areas, with proposals due August 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The District specifically encourages local and minority bidders.

Minimum qualifications are California bar licensure in good standing, a minimum of ten years of legal experience with at least five years representing California public school districts, and demonstrated experience advising publicly elected governing boards and public agencies. The scope covers general legal counsel, board governance, labor and employment, human resources, employee relations and negotiations, special education, charter schools, facilities and construction, real estate, public contracting, student matters, litigation, policy development, investigations, and public agency ethics compliance. Services are provided on an as-needed basis to support the District's educational mission, governance responsibilities, business operations, and compliance obligations. The District is the 17th largest school district in California, serving over 39,000 students across San Joaquin County and Torrance City.

The initial contract term is one year with the District retaining the option to renew for up to four additional one-year terms contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued need, mutual written agreement, and Board approval. The District reserves the right to terminate any agreement with 30 days' written notice. Pricing shall remain firm and fixed throughout the initial term and any renewal periods.

Evaluation will be weighted as follows: firm qualifications and experience (30 percent), staff and team qualifications and experience (20 percent), relevant K-12/public agency legal experience (10 percent), demonstrated understanding of the scope of services (20 percent), and fee schedule (20 percent). Proposers must submit a detailed fee schedule including hourly rates for attorneys, paralegals, and other billable personnel, billing increments, travel billing practices, reimbursable expenses, and alternative fee arrangements if available. Requests for clarification are due July 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. No bidders' conference is scheduled; interviews may be held at the District's discretion. Contract award is contingent upon availability of funds and Board approval.