Police Practices Defense Counsel Services & Insurance Coverage Defense Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements (RFQ) from qualified individuals and firms to establish a pool of attorneys for critical legal services. The core project encompasses two distinct areas: Police Practices Defense Counsel Services and Insurance Coverage Defense Counsel Services. For police practices, the City seeks litigation and defense counsel to represent police officers in employment-related litigation, including actions under the Tort Claims Act, CEPA, LAD, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983, contract disputes, and challenges to government actions. For insurance coverage, the City requires counsel with substantial experience in negotiating insurance contract terms, advising on rights and obligations, acting as legal representatives for claims, presenting and negotiating recoveries, and pursuing claims through declaratory judgment, litigation, mediation, or arbitration. Counsel in both capacities will work closely with the City's Law Department, providing representation in all aspects of litigation on an "as needed" basis. Contractors must demonstrate extensive expertise in providing these professional legal services, supported by a proven record of litigation experience in Federal, Superior, Appellate, and Workers’ Compensation courts. Respondents are required to submit an executive summary, an executed Letter of Qualification, and an executed Letter of Intent, along with detailed information on their business organization, ownership, and key personnel. Mandatory compliance with New Jersey's Affirmative Action (N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq.), Business Registration (N.J.S.A. 52:32-44), and Pay-to-Play (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 et seq.) laws is strictly enforced. Furthermore, applicants must confirm appropriate federal and state licenses and possess professional malpractice insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $1,000,000 aggregate per policy period. Detailed experience, client references (especially municipal), and resumes of assigned attorneys are crucial for evaluation. Qualification Statements must be received by the City of East Orange Office of Procurement no later than 12:00 P.M. on Friday, December 13, 2019. Submissions require one original, four copies, and one compact disk (CD) set, to be mailed or hand-delivered to Lisa Jackson, East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Submissions via facsimile or email will be rejected. A separate Qualification Statement must be submitted for each legal service applied for. Physical RFQ packets picked up on-site incur a non-refundable $25.00 fee, payable to the City of East Orange. There are no explicit requirements for bid security or performance bonds mentioned in the provided text. Lisa L. Jackson from the Office of Procurement is the designated contact person for this RFQ, reachable at (973) 266-5162, though all communications should be directed in writing.