Request for Qualifications for Special Labor Counsel Services (Public Sector Labor Matters)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from highly skilled and experienced legal professionals to provide Special Labor Counsel Services for public sector labor matters. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks individuals or firms capable of offering expert legal representation and advice to the City's Office of Corporation Counsel on an 'as needed' basis for a one-year contract period. The comprehensive scope of work encompasses a wide array of public sector labor and employment issues, including, but not limited to, court appearances, arbitrations, conferences, negotiations, meetings, and legal research. Selected counsel will also be responsible for representing the City in collective bargaining agreement negotiations, interpreting and enforcing collective bargaining agreements, handling employee disciplinary matters, and providing specialized legal services as directed by the Office of Corporation Counsel. This is a critical engagement to ensure robust legal support for the City's labor relations. The estimated maximum contract value is $100,000, with specified hourly rates of $125.00 for Partners/Counsel, $95.00 for Associates, and $50.00 for Paralegals. The contract will be for a one-year period. Prospective contractors must demonstrate extensive qualifications, including a proven record of litigation experience in either the Superior Court of New Jersey (including the Appellate Division) or the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Respondents must also possess appropriate federal and state licenses to perform legal activities and disclose any judgments for professional malpractice within the last three years or involvement in bankruptcy proceedings within the last ten years. Key administrative information required includes an executive summary, an executed Letter of Qualification, and details of the Respondent's business organization, ownership, and current management tenure. Professional requirements include a detailed description of overall experience with similar services, client references (especially municipal government clients from the last three years), resumes of key attorneys assigned to the City, and malpractice insurance coverage limits. Compliance with affirmative action requirements is mandatory. Qualification Statements must be mailed or hand-delivered to the East Orange Office of Procurement, Attention: Lisa L. Jackson, East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Submissions must be received no later than 11:00 A.M. on December 11, 2019; facsimile or email transmissions will not be accepted. The submission package must include one original (unbound), four copies, and one compact disk (CD) set of the sealed qualification statement, along with a checklist of required documents. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFQ packets picked up on-site. The selection process will be conducted as a fair and open process under New Jersey's Pay-to-Play Law and municipal ordinances, with qualified respondents approved by the East Orange City Council. Inquiries should be directed to Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.