RFQ - Legal Services (Litigation/Defense, Workers Compensation, Special Conflict Counsel Services)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from highly experienced legal professionals and firms to establish an approved pool of attorneys for Litigation/Defense Counsel Services, Workers' Compensation Counsel Services, and Special Conflict Counsel Services. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to secure specialized legal representation for the City, its officers, and employees in a broad range of legal matters. The scope of work encompasses defense and representation in complex litigation, including actions arising under the Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1 et seq.), Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), Laws Against Discrimination (LAD), 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983 actions, contract disputes, and challenges to governmental actions. Additionally, the City requires counsel with substantial expertise in Workers' Compensation Law (N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq.) to defend against related lawsuits. Special Conflict Counsel services are needed for situations involving conflicts of interest, non-availability, scheduling conflicts, or when specialized expertise is deemed more effective for particular matters, encompassing both litigation/defense and workers' compensation as described. Qualified respondents must demonstrate a robust professional, financial, and administrative capability to provide the required services, including a proven record of litigation experience across Federal, Superior, Appellate, and Workers' Compensation courts. Mandatory compliance with New Jersey statutes is required, including N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 (Business Registration of Public Contractors), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). Firms must provide comprehensive administrative information, including business organization details, principal ownership, years in business and under current management, any professional malpractice judgments or bankruptcy proceedings within specified periods, and confirmation of appropriate federal and state licenses. Professional requirements include detailed descriptions of overall experience, relevant municipal government clients, resumes of key attorneys, and a listing of all other similar engagements over the past five years, complete with contact information for references. Malpractice insurance coverage limits must also be disclosed. Qualification Statements must be meticulously prepared, submitted individually in a sealed envelope, and received by the City's Office of Procurement no later than 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 29, 2018. Submissions must include an original, two (2) copies, and one (1) compact disk (CD) set, mailed or hand-delivered to Lisa L. Jackson, Office of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Facsimile or email transmissions will not be accepted. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 per RFQ packet applies for physical pickup. All inquiries regarding this RFQ or the procurement process must be directed in writing to the Designated Contact Person, Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162. Respondents are required to complete and submit numerous forms, including Business Entity Disclosure, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgment, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance, and a Letter of Intent/Qualification.