To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: Thomson Reuters General Terms and Conditions Agreement
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the District Attorney, or designee, to execute a General Terms and Conditions Agreement with Thomson Reuters in an amount not to exceed $440,680 for the usage of Westlaw legal research software for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this action will result in expenditures of up to $440,680 over the period of five years. The first year’s expenditure of $83,469 is included in the FY24-25 Departmental Budget. The expenditures for the next four years will continue to be included in the Department’s annual budget.
BACKGROUND:
Westlaw legal research software provides a comprehensive electronic database of current legal authorities, serving as an essential resource for the District Attorney’s Office. It is the primary legal research tool used by attorneys and paralegal staff to access relevant case law, statutory authority, and legal treatises. The software also enables users to quickly confirm the status of relevant case law and stay informed about ongoing legal developments efficiently. For over two decades, Westlaw has supported the department in conducting comprehensive and efficient legal research. Renewing this contract will ensure the continued use of this critical tool for the next five years.
Opting for a five-year contract instead of an annual or biennial agreement will save the District Attorney’s Office approximately $21,000 over the contract term.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without executing the Agreement, the District Attorney’s Office cannot continue to utilize the Westlaw software to conduct robust legal research.