Professional Legal Services - Library Board Attorney

The Board of Trustees of the Bayonne Public Library (Bayonne, NJ) is soliciting proposals for Professional Legal Services to appoint a Library Board Attorney. This critical role encompasses representing the Library Board and the Library in all legal aspects of public library operations for a one-year term, commencing June 1, 2024, and concluding May 31, 2025. The extensive scope of work demands expertise in New Jersey Library Law, the Open Public Meetings Act, Open Public Records Act, and the Local Public Contracts Law. Responsibilities also include preparing and reviewing RFPs and construction contracts, advising on First Amendment Rights, handling patron relations and conduct, ensuring confidentiality of library records, developing policies and bylaws, addressing library funding issues, and providing robust representation before State and federal courts and administrative agencies. Contractors, whether individual legal professionals or firms, must satisfy stringent minimum qualifications to be considered for this engagement. A mandatory requirement is current membership in good standing with the New Jersey Bar, with at least ten (10) years of admission. Applicants must further demonstrate a concentrated law practice in representing local government entities for a minimum of ten (10) years. Specific experience representing public libraries in general legal issues for at least ten (10) years is essential. Additionally, candidates require a minimum of ten (10) years of proven experience appearing before the Office of Administrative Law and the Superior Court of New Jersey on behalf of local government entities. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are scheduled for this solicitation. Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly labeled "Bayonne Public Library Board Attorney – Request for Proposals," and include the respondent’s name and address in the upper left-hand corner. One original and two copies of the complete proposal are required. Submissions must be hand-delivered or sent via U.S. mail to the Bayonne Public Library, 697 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ 07002, Attn: Library Director, with a strict deadline of 12:00 noon on June 3, 2024. Proposals transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail will not be accepted. All official inquiries regarding this RFP must be directed in writing to the Library Director, via regular mail or email at mtownley@bayonnelibrary.org. UNLOCK The RFP does not specify requirements for bid security or performance bonds with the initial submission.