L.A. City Council approves $50,000 for legal services amid retaliation claim

The Los Angeles City Council recently convened to address a significant request from City Attorney Feldstein Soto, who sought $500,000 for legal services from the law firm Miller Barondess. This request was in response to a retaliation claim made by Michelle McGinnis, the former head of Feldstein Soto's criminal branch, who alleged she was unfairly placed on leave and escorted from City Hall. The council ultimately approved only $50,000, reflecting their hesitance to fully endorse the funding request. The decision came after a contentious discussion, with the vote narrowly passing at 8-3. Concerns were raised regarding the choice of Miller Barondess, particularly due to their involvement in a high-profile lawsuit concerning the city and county's handling of the homelessness crisis. Despite these concerns, a spokesperson for Feldstein Soto asserted that there was no conflict of interest, as the investigators would be screened from accessing sensitive information related to the case. The approval of the $50,000 contract is seen as a partial victory for Feldstein Soto, who has faced scrutiny over her office's actions. The council's reluctance to grant the full amount requested indicates a cautious approach to the ongoing legal matters and the implications they may have for the city attorney's office. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the investigation into McGinnis's claims will progress and what impact it may have on the city attorney's office and its leadership moving forward.