Request for Qualifications for Special Labor Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements (RFQ) from highly qualified individuals and firms to provide specialized legal counsel services in public sector labor matters and pre-litigation services. This encompasses a comprehensive scope of work, including representing the City in court appearances, arbitrations, conferences, and negotiations related to public sector labor and employment law. Key responsibilities involve participating in the negotiation and preparation of collective bargaining agreements, interpreting and enforcing such agreements, and handling employee disciplinary and employment law matters. Furthermore, the selected counsel will conduct quick and efficient pre-litigation investigations into employee complaints concerning alleged violations of state/federal labor laws, City personnel policies, misuse of City property, sexual harassment, and discrimination based on protected classes, including whistleblower status. The role also includes drafting detailed reports with ultimate findings, assisting in determining corrective actions or discipline, preparing for anticipated civil or criminal litigation, and reviewing City personnel policies, agreements, and handbooks for compliance with state and federal labor laws. Prospective contractors must demonstrate exceptional professional, financial, and administrative capabilities to effectively provide the requested services. Critical qualifications include substantial expertise in public sector labor and employment law, coupled with a proven record of litigation experience within either the Superior Court of New Jersey (including the Appellate Division) or the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Responding firms or individuals are required to possess all appropriate federal and state licenses to perform legal activities and must maintain professional malpractice insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 in aggregate for each policy period. The RFQ process is structured as a fair and open process in accordance with New Jersey's Pay-to-Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq.) and municipal ordinances; however, no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified. Qualification Statements must be meticulously prepared and submitted to the East Orange Office of Procurement no later than 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Submissions must be either mailed or hand-delivered to Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. It is imperative to note that qualification statements forwarded by facsimile or email transmissions will be unequivocally rejected. Each submission requires one (1) original, two (2) copies, and one (1) thumb-drive, presented individually in a sealed envelope. Detailed RFQ packets can be obtained from the Division of Procurement at City Hall (1st Floor) during business hours or downloaded from www.eastorange-nj.org; a non-refundable fee of $25.00 is charged for physical copies picked up on-site. All inquiries regarding this RFQ should be directed in writing to the Designated Contact Person, Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, at (973) 266-5162.