In-Rem Tax Foreclosure Special Legal Counsel

The City of East Orange, a municipal corporation in New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from interested individuals and firms to serve as In-Rem Tax Foreclosure Special Legal Counsel. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to retain competent and qualified attorneys or law firms to represent the City in all tax foreclosure related matters. The comprehensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the prosecution and defense of tax foreclosure cases before the Superior Court of New Jersey and the United States Bankruptcy Court. All services will be performed under the direct supervision and coordination of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel and will be provided on an "as needed" basis, potentially involving attendance at meetings and other specialized legal support. The objective is to secure high-quality, cost-effective services that benefit the taxpayers of East Orange. Respondents must demonstrate profound expertise in professional legal services, specifically showcasing a proven record of litigation experience in Federal court, Superior court, Appellate, and Workers’ Compensation. Key qualifications require the submission of an executive summary, an executed Letter of Qualification and Letter of Intent, detailed business organization information including principals with 10% or more ownership, evidence of affirmative action compliance, documentation of the firm’s years in business and under current management, and disclosure of any professional malpractice judgments within the last three years or bankruptcy proceedings in the last ten years. Furthermore, confirmation of appropriate federal and state licenses is mandatory, alongside a description of overall relevant experience, client references, resumes of key employees and assigned attorneys, a narrative understanding of the City’s needs, disclosure of any immediate relatives who are City employees or elected officials, and proof of professional liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 aggregate per policy period. Qualification Statements must be received by the City no later than 11:00 A.M. on November 29, 2023. Submissions must be physically mailed or hand-delivered to the East Orange Office of Procurement, Attention: Racquel Ferguson, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Facsimile or email transmissions will not be accepted. Required submission materials include one original (unbound), two copies, and one electronic copy, all presented in a sealed envelope. Necessary forms encompass a Business Entity Disclosure Certification, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, various EEO/Affirmative Action compliance notices, an Americans With Disabilities Act form, a Certificate of Employee Information Report, a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, a Professional Service Entity Information Form, a Qualification Affidavit, a detailed Submission Form, an Acknowledgement of Corrections, Additions or Deletions Form, a Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran, a Statement of Indebtedness Form, and an Agreement for Payment of Commodity/Service Form. For further inquiries or to obtain RFQ copies, Racquel C. Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, can be contacted at (973) 266-5162 or via fax at (862) 444-0101.