What is a closed session?

California Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) authorizes a local agency's legislative body to hold a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding "significant exposure to litigation" when, based on existing facts and circumstances, the agency faces a substantial risk of legal action. 

This provision defines litigation as "pending" when a point is reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body on the advice of legal counsel, there is a significant exposure.