Special Legal Counsel Services (Municipal Tax Appeal Matters)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is actively seeking Qualification Statements (RFQs) from highly experienced and qualified legal professionals or firms for Special Legal Counsel Services in Municipal Tax Appeal Matters. This comprehensive procurement aims to establish a robust pool of attorneys or firms to represent the City across all tax-related proceedings. This includes, but is not limited to, defending the City in tax appeals heard before the Tax Court of New Jersey, appearing, negotiating, prosecuting, and defending all matters stemming from tax appeals filed by real estate owners. All legal services will be performed under the direct oversight and supervision of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel and the Director of the Department of Property Taxation, ensuring dedicated and expert representation for municipal tax interests on an as-needed basis. Prospective contractors must demonstrate extensive expertise in municipal tax appeal law and possess a proven litigation record in the Tax Court of New Jersey and various New Jersey County Boards of Taxation. Required qualifications encompass exhibiting strong professional, financial, and administrative capabilities. Submissions must include an executive summary, executed Letters of Qualification and Intent, detailed business organization information, including ownership details (specifically any stockholders or principals holding 10% or more interest), and evidence of compliance with all applicable affirmative action requirements, federal, and state licenses. Applicants must also disclose their years in business and under current management, any professional malpractice judgments or bankruptcy proceedings within the last three to ten years, and limits of malpractice insurance coverage. Resumes of key employees and assigned attorneys, along with a description of relevant municipal government clients and prior similar engagements, are mandatory components. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified for this RFQ. Qualification Statements, comprising one original, two copies, and one compact disk (CD) set, must be individually sealed within an envelope. Submissions are strictly due by 11:00 A.M. on November 29, 2023, and must be hand-delivered or mailed to Racquel Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, East Orange Division of Procurement, located at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Submissions received via facsimile (fax) or email transmissions will not be accepted and will lead to rejection. The City expressly states it is not responsible for the loss, non-delivery, or physical condition of statements sent by mail or courier service. While specific bid security or performance bonds are not mandated for this RFQ, successful respondents will be awarded a contract that includes provisions for indemnification, insurance, termination, and licensing. Compensation for tax appeal defense matters is established at an hourly rate of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150). For further inquiries or to obtain copies of the RFQ, contact Racquel Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162; a fax option is available at (862) 444-0101.