REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS - MUNICIPAL TAX APPEAL ATTORNEY

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements for Special Legal Counsel Services in Municipal Tax Appeal Matters. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) aims to secure highly experienced and qualified attorneys or firms to represent the City in all tax-related legal proceedings. The comprehensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to, defending and representing the City in tax appeals before the Tax Court of New Jersey, handling tax appeals filed by real estate owners with the City of East Orange, and appearing, negotiating, prosecuting, and defending all matters stemming from these tax appeals. Selected counsel will operate under the direct supervision and guidance of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel and the Director of the Department of Property Taxation, providing critical legal support on an "as needed" basis. Prospective contractors must demonstrate exceptional professional, financial, and administrative capabilities pertinent to providing specialized municipal tax appeal legal services. Key qualifications include a proven record of extensive litigation experience within the Tax Court of New Jersey and before various County Boards of Taxation across the state, showcasing a deep understanding of New Jersey's tax laws and appellate processes. Respondents are required to hold all appropriate federal and state licenses necessary for legal practice, provide evidence of compliance with affirmative action requirements (N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27), and possess a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate. Furthermore, firms must disclose malpractice insurance coverage limits, specifically a minimum of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate per policy period, ensuring robust professional indemnity for the City. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified in the document. Qualification Statements must be meticulously prepared and submitted by the firm deadline of November 17, 2020, at 1:00 P.M. EST. Submissions must be either mailed or hand-delivered to the East Orange Division of Procurement, attention Lisa Jackson, at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018; submissions via facsimile or email will be explicitly rejected. Each Qualification Statement must be submitted individually in a sealed envelope, including a comprehensive executive summary (not exceeding two pages), an executed Letter of Qualification and Letter of Intent, detailed business organization information, resumes of assigned attorneys, references, and a non-collusion affidavit. While bid security or bonds are not required for this RFQ, a non-refundable fee of $25.00 applies for physical RFQ packets obtained on-site. For all inquiries regarding this solicitation, the designated contact person is Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162.