ZONING AND PLANNING BOARD COUNSEL Professional Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is actively seeking qualifications for professional legal services to act as counsel for its Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) invites highly experienced and qualified attorneys or law firms to provide comprehensive legal support, advice, and representation crucial for municipal land use matters. The scope of work includes preparing for and attending all regular and special board meetings, typically 12 annually plus additional sessions. Counsel will be responsible for preparing and defending litigation arising from board decisions under the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and Local Redevelopment Housing Law, offering legal advice, conducting research, and providing assistance on special board-requested matters. Additionally, the role involves drafting legal documents such as legislation, deeds, covenants, and easements, and ensuring consistent legal guidance for board interests, including conferences with city staff and review of various land development documents. Prospective contractors must be licensed attorneys in New Jersey, possessing demonstrated core competency and significant experience with the Municipal Land Use Law and Housing and Redevelopment Law. Applicants are required to submit a detailed qualification statement outlining their firm's activities, personnel, and current office location, with an emphasis on having an office within a reasonable distance to the City of East Orange to ensure optimal accessibility and responsiveness. This statement must be complemented by a list of three verifiable clients for whom similar legal services have been successfully rendered, detailing contact information, service dates, costs, and project scope. Key personnel information, including specific credentials, degrees, certifications, and areas of responsibility for those performing services, is also mandatory. Evaluation criteria will heavily consider litigation experience, the ability to interpret regulations, prior successful collaborations, and timely service delivery; however, no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are scheduled for this solicitation. Submissions for this RFQ are due by Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM sharp. Proposals should be delivered to the City of East Orange, Division of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018, via mail, the City’s designated "Drop Box," or in person at the Municipal Council Chamber. Each submission package requires one unbound original, four bound copies, and one electronic copy, with the outer envelope clearly marked "PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY" and/or "ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ATTORNEY." All submitted proposals must remain firm for sixty (60) days post-submission. Contractors are obligated to adhere to New Jersey state regulations concerning Affirmative Action (N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq.), Contract Compliance, Equal Employment Opportunities (N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.), and Disclosure of Ownership (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2). The contract offers an estimated annual amount not exceeding $30,000, exclusive of escrow-funded invoices, with an hourly rate cap of $200. For administrative questions, contact Lisa L. Jackson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162 or lisa.jackson@eastorange-nj.gov. UNLOCK