IN-REM TAX FORECLOSURE SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL SERVICES

The City of East Orange, a municipal corporation in New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from highly qualified individuals and firms to provide In-Rem Tax Foreclosure Special Legal Counsel Services. This comprehensive procurement seeks to retain legal expertise for representing the City in all tax foreclosure-related matters. The extensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the vigorous prosecution and defense of tax foreclosure cases heard before the Superior Court of New Jersey and the United States Bankruptcy Court, all under the direct supervision and guidance of the City's Office of Corporation Counsel. This critical service ensures the City's legal interests are robustly protected in complex property and financial disputes. Prospective contractors must demonstrate exceptional professional, financial, and administrative capabilities to deliver the required legal services. Key qualifications include a proven record of litigation experience in Federal, Superior, Appellate, and Workers’ Compensation courts, alongside a strong reputation and deep knowledge of municipal corporations. Respondents are required to submit detailed administrative information, such as their business organization (corporation, partnership, etc.), ownership structure (including principals and stockholders with 10% or more interest), years in business and under current management, any past professional malpractice judgments or bankruptcy proceedings, and confirmation of appropriate federal and state licenses. Professional information must encompass a description of overall experience in similar services, references, resumes of key employees and assigned attorneys, an understanding of the City’s specific needs and goals, and malpractice insurance coverage limits. Compliance with New Jersey's "Pay-to-Play Law" (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq.) and municipal ordinances is mandatory. Qualification Statements must be meticulously prepared, comprising an original, four copies, and one compact disk, and must be received by the City no later than 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Submissions must be either mailed or hand-delivered to the East Orange Office of Procurement, addressed to Lisa L. Jackson, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Crucially, submissions forwarded via facsimile or email will not be accepted. While no bid security or bonds are explicitly mentioned, a non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for the RFQ packet if picked up physically from the Division of Procurement. All communications regarding this RFQ should be directed in writing to the Designated Contact Person: Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162, at The City of East Orange, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018.