Special Labor Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from highly qualified legal professionals and firms to provide Special Legal Counsel Services, specifically in Public Sector Labor Matters. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks specialized legal representation to handle various labor and employment issues on an as-needed basis, under the direct supervision of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel. The comprehensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to, court appearances, arbitrations, conferences, negotiations, and meetings. Additionally, successful respondents will be responsible for representing the City in the negotiation and preparation of collective bargaining agreements, interpreting and enforcing existing agreements, and providing counsel on employee disciplinary matters and other public sector labor or employment law issues as directed by the Corporation Counsel. The contract period is for one year, with an aggregate contract amount not to exceed $135,000.00, based on hourly rates of $165.00 for Partners/Counsel, $95.00 for Associates, and $50.00 for Paralegals. Prospective contractors must demonstrate extensive expertise in public sector labor and employment law, coupled with a proven track record of litigation experience within the Superior Court of New Jersey (including the Appellate Division) or the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Essential qualifications include appropriate federal and state licenses to perform legal activities, and firms must maintain Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000.00 per claim and an aggregate of $2,000,000.00 per policy period. Respondents are required to disclose any judgments for professional malpractice within the last three years and any involvement in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings in the last ten years. Firms must also provide resumes for all key employees and attorneys assigned to the City's services, a description of their business organization, and relevant client references from the past three years, including municipal government clients, to demonstrate their continuing capabilities and understanding of the City’s needs and goals. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated for this RFQ. Qualification Statements must be meticulously prepared and submitted in a sealed envelope, including one original (unbound), two hard copies, and one electronic copy. Submissions are to be mailed or hand-delivered to the East Orange Office of Procurement, Attention: Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Submissions sent via facsimile or email will be strictly rejected. The firm deadline for receiving all Qualification Statements is 11:00 A.M. on November 29, 2023. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFQ packets picked up on-site to cover printing and administrative expenses. Required documentation includes, but is not limited to, Business Entity Disclosure, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgment, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Americans With Disabilities Act compliance forms, a copy of the firm’s Business Registration Certificate, Professional Service Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, a detailed Submission Form outlining services and cost, and a Letter of Qualification and Letter of Intent. For any inquiries regarding the RFQ process, the designated contact person is Racquel C. Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162.