SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL SERVICES (PUBLIC SECTOR LABOR MATTERS)

The City of East Orange, a municipal corporation in New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements from highly skilled and experienced Special Legal Counsel specializing in Public Sector Labor Matters. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks firms or individuals to provide comprehensive legal representation and advisory services under the direct supervision of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel. The extensive scope of work encompasses representation in court appearances, arbitrations, conferences, negotiations, and various meetings. It also includes critical legal research, investigations, and correspondence. Furthermore, the selected counsel will be responsible for representing the City in the negotiation and preparation of collective bargaining agreements with diverse bargaining units and serving as a dedicated labor specialist for the interpretation and enforcement of these agreements. Ancillary services requested by the City, such as representation in employee disciplinary matters or general employment law issues, will also fall within the contract's purview on an as-needed basis. The contract period for these specialized legal services is for one year, aiming to secure high-quality, cost-effective representation for the City's taxpayers. Prospective contractors must demonstrate exceptional expertise in the provision of professional legal services, ensuring they possess the necessary professional, financial, and administrative capabilities to meet the City's requirements. A mandatory qualification includes a proven track record of litigation experience within the Superior Court of New Jersey (including its Appellate Division) or the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Applicants are required to provide detailed resumes of key employees and specific attorneys who will be assigned to the City’s legal matters, alongside a comprehensive description of their overall experience relevant to the RFQ. Submissions must include a list of relevant municipal government clients served within the last three years, as well as a listing of all other similar engagements performed over the past five years, complete with contact information for references. Confirmation of appropriate federal and state licenses to perform legal activities is essential. There are no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits outlined in this solicitation. Qualification Statements must be meticulously prepared and submitted as an original, four (4) copies, and one (1) compact disk (CD) set, individually enclosed in a sealed envelope. Submissions are to be hand-delivered or mailed to the East Orange Office of Procurement, addressed to Lisa L. Jackson, East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Critically, Qualification Statements sent via facsimile or email will not be accepted and will be summarily rejected. The absolute deadline for receipt of all Qualification Statements is 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. Respondents should note that a non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for each RFP packet obtained on-site, payable to the City of East Orange. There are no specific requirements for bid security or performance bonds mentioned in the provided text. All communications regarding this RFQ should be directed to Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162.