Dixon City Council Chooses Churchwell White Law Firm as New City Attorney

The City of Dixon has cut ties with attorney firm, Meyers Nave, choosing Churchwell White LLC as new representation at the Wednesday council meeting.

The City Council chose to review three of the 12 proposed California law firms who wished to be considered for job, beginning background investigations after the July 9 meeting for Churchwell White LLP, Cota Cole LLP, and Kronick Moskovitz Tiedeman & Girard. 

Meyers Nave was one of the 12 applying firms, however they didn't make the cut and have resigned as a result of the decision. 

At the city council meeting Wednesday, Mayor Jack Batchelor motioned to approve a resolution directing the City of Dixon to enter into a preliminary agreement with Churchwell White LLC as the City Attorney. Although the firm was not his first choice, he stated he respected the consensus of the Council.

During deliberations, it appeared nearly unanimous that Cota Cole was not considered a good fit for Dixon by the Council. Councilman Bogue stated frankly, “Regarding Cota Cole, I’m just not impressed, I think this community would eat you alive.”

Vice Mayor Besneatte, explained he understood choosing a new firm is a difficult decision, stating, “But for me, I don’t think it’s as difficult as others, being an attorney myself." Conflict of interest was an issue for him with one of the firms, noting things have happened with him personally at his office and his house. He was impressed with Churchwell and White in the area of the Brown Act and their Public Records knowledge.

Councilman Bird was pleased with Churchwell and White because of their knowledge of current Dixon issues, and was impressed with seeing both senior partners at the meetings rather than sending representation, stating it showed they care. “I like the fact that Churchwell and White were excited to be part of this community,” said Bird, adding, “Cota Cole seemed unsure about water areas and might farm out issues.”

The City Manager, Jim Lindley, will further negotiations from this point with the firm; the 2013-14 adopted budget included $140,250 in account for general legal services.

Churchwell White, located at 1201 K Street, Sacramento, was complimented with having a "strong start" by the Sacramento Business Journal after opening earlier this year. The Journal wrote, four veteran lawyers from big firms have come together to build a boutique business with expertise in public agency, water, land use, health care and political law. Read the more about each of the partners here.  

Watch the full deliberations video here.