Municipal Tax Appeal Attorney Special Legal Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements (RFQ) for Special Legal Counsel Services focusing on Municipal Tax Appeal Matters. This procurement aims to secure qualified legal professionals to represent the City in all tax-related matters, including defense and prosecution of tax appeals before the Tax Court of New Jersey and various County Boards of Taxation. The scope of work encompasses appearing, negotiating, and defending the City against tax appeals filed by real estate owners, as well as providing other ancillary legal services deemed necessary. All services will be performed under the direct supervision and coordination of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel and the Director of the Department of Property Taxation, ensuring alignment with municipal objectives and legal strategies. Prospective contractors, individuals, or firms must demonstrate substantial expertise and a proven record of litigation experience specifically within the Tax Court of New Jersey and before County Boards of Taxation throughout the state. Essential qualifications include possessing appropriate federal and state licenses to perform legal activities and providing comprehensive resumes for key employees and attorneys proposed for assignment to the City's matters. Respondents are required to detail their overall experience in similar legal services, furnish contact information for references, and list relevant municipal government clients served over the past three years. Additionally, disclosure of malpractice insurance coverage limits is mandatory, and successful respondents will be compensated at an hourly rate of $150 for tax appeal defense matters. Qualification Statements must be submitted by mail or hand-delivery to the East Orange Division of Procurement, ATTENTION RACQUEL FERGUSON, East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. The strict deadline for receipt is November 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M.; submissions sent via facsimile or email will not be accepted. Each Qualification Statement must be submitted individually within a sealed envelope. While no specific bid security or performance bonds are required for the initial submission, selected firms will enter into a contract including provisions for indemnification and insurance, notably requiring Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000.00 per claim and $2,000,000.00 aggregate. Inquiries regarding this RFQ should be directed to Racquel Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162, or by fax at (862) 444-0101.