Request for Qualifications for Special Labor Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from individuals and firms to provide specialized legal counsel services in public sector labor matters. These services, provided under the direction and supervision of the City's Office of Corporation Counsel, encompass a broad scope including court appearances, arbitrations, conferences, negotiations, meetings, research, investigations, and correspondence. Furthermore, the selected counsel will be responsible for representation in the negotiation and preparation of collective bargaining agreements, serving as a labor specialist for interpreting and enforcing these agreements, and handling ancillary services such as employee disciplinary matters or other public sector employment law issues as requested. The engagement is for a one-year contract period, with the possibility of multiple firms or individuals being selected. Qualified respondents must demonstrate robust professional, financial, and administrative capabilities. Essential requirements include holding appropriate federal and state licenses necessary for legal practice. A proven record of litigation experience is mandatory, specifically in the Superior Court of New Jersey (including the Appellate Division) or the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Applicants must submit detailed resumes for key employees and attorneys proposed for assignment, alongside a comprehensive description of their overall experience in providing similar legal services, particularly those involving municipal government clients over the past three years. References from previous clients are also required to substantiate expertise and performance. Qualification Statements must be submitted and received by the City of East Orange no later than 11:00 A.M. on November 17, 2020. Submissions are to be physically mailed or hand-delivered to Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at the East Orange Office of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018; electronic submissions via facsimile or email will not be accepted. Each Qualification Statement must be presented individually within a sealed envelope. While the detailed Request for Qualifications document is available for download on www.eastorange-nj.org, a non-refundable fee of $25.00 is charged for physical copies picked up at the Division of Procurement, City Hall. The total contract value for successful respondents will not exceed $100,000.00, with specified hourly rates of $125.00 for Partners/Counsel, $95.00 for Associates, and $50.00 for Paralegals.