Special Legal Counsel Services for City Council

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from qualified individuals and firms to provide Special Legal Counsel Services for the City Council. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks legal professionals to represent the City Council in City-related matters where the Office of Corporation Counsel identifies a conflict of interest. The scope of work includes defending claims and filing lawsuits on behalf of the City Council, providing advice and counsel on issues such as litigation, regulations, and ordinances, interacting with City Administration on legal matters, coordinating with the City’s insurance carrier regarding liability, and attending meetings as requested by the Mayor and Council. The contract period for these services is one year. Prospective contractors must demonstrate extensive expertise in providing professional legal services and possess continuing capabilities to perform the required duties. Essential qualifications include a proven record of litigation experience in either the Superior Court of New Jersey (including the Appellate Division) or the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Respondents must submit detailed administrative information, including an executive summary, an executed Letter of Qualification, business organization details, a description of ownership, compliance with affirmative action requirements, years in business under current management, disclosure of any professional malpractice judgments within the last three years or bankruptcy proceedings in the last ten years, and confirmation of appropriate federal and state licenses. Professional information requirements further include a description of overall experience, relevant client references (especially municipal governments), resumes of key attorneys, a narrative understanding of the City's needs, disclosure of immediate relatives who are City employees or officials, and limits of malpractice insurance coverage. Qualification Statements must be mailed or hand-delivered to the East Orange Division of Procurement, Attention: Racquel Ferguson, at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Submissions will not be accepted via facsimile or email. The absolute deadline for receipt of Qualification Statements is Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for those picking up RFQ packets on-site to cover printing and administrative expenses. Checks should be made payable to the City of East Orange. All submissions must be individual and in a sealed envelope, including an original, two copies, and one thumb drive set. Further inquiries should be directed to Racquel Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, whose contact information is provided.