REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL LEGAL (CONFLICT) COUNSEL SERVICES

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements for Special Legal (Conflict) Counsel Services for its City Council. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) aims to secure highly experienced attorneys and law firms to provide legal representation and advice exclusively when conflicts of interest preclude the City's Law Department from acting. The comprehensive scope of work includes defending claims, initiating lawsuits on behalf of the City Council, preparing reports, and offering legal counsel on diverse issues like litigation, regulations, and ordinances. Selected counsel will also interact with City Administration and insurance carriers on related legal matters and attend required meetings. The engagement term is designed not to exceed one year from the award date, ensuring consistent expert legal support for the municipality's governing body in critical conflict situations. Prospective contractors must meet stringent qualifications. A mandatory minimum of ten years of experience providing legal services to a New Jersey municipal or government entity is required. Attorneys must hold a current license and be in good standing with the New Jersey Bar Association, demonstrating at least ten years of experience in municipal litigation or serving as Special Counsel to Governing Bodies. Firms must ensure adequate staffing. A critical insurance requirement mandates professional liability coverage of at least $1,000,000.00 per claim and a $3,000,000.00 aggregate policy period with an AAA-rated carrier by Best Insurance Digest. Respondents must also certify no representation of parties adverse to East Orange within the past three years. The procurement adheres to a fair and open process under the New Jersey Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 et seq.). Detailed submission instructions specify that Qualification Statements must be received by 12:00 P.M. on November 13, 2020. Submissions, comprising one original, four copies, and one CD, must be mailed or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope to the East Orange Office of Procurement, directed to Lisa Jackson, Qualified Purchasing Agent, at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Facsimile or email transmissions are strictly prohibited. The full RFQ packet is available for download online or can be purchased in person for a non-refundable $25.00. Required documentation includes various affidavits, ownership disclosures, insurance acknowledgements, a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, and specific letters of intent and qualification. All inquiries should be directed to Lisa L. Jackson, Office of Procurement, at (973) 266-5162.