Zoning and/or Planning Board Counsel Professional Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Services to secure legal counsel for its Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment. This critical engagement involves attorneys providing comprehensive legal support, advice, and representation to these municipal boards. Key responsibilities include preparing for and attending all regular and special board meetings, defending litigation arising from board decisions or official duties under the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and Local Redevelopment Housing Law, offering legal research and assistance on various special matters, and drafting essential legal documents such as resolutions, legislation, deeds, covenants, and easements. Furthermore, the selected counsel will be expected to respond to routine inquiries from staff and participate in conferences with the City Administrator and land development review staff, ensuring seamless legal operations for land use planning in East Orange. Prospective individuals and firms must possess demonstrated experience in the specific area of practice, alongside a core competency and proven expertise in Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL). A thorough understanding of Redevelopment and Local Redevelopment Law is also a mandatory qualification for this role. Familiarity with the geographical area of East Orange and the ability to maintain an office within reasonable proximity to the City are significant evaluation factors, indicating a commitment to local accessibility and responsiveness. Candidates must also exhibit litigation experience and a proficient ability to interpret complex regulations and ordinances. The submission requires a detailed qualification statement outlining the firm's principal activities, personnel, location, and a list of three (3) clients for whom similar services were provided, including contact information, dates, cost, scope, and project status. Key personnel information, encompassing credentials and responsibilities, is also a critical component of the submission. Qualification Proposals are due by Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM prevailing time. Submissions must be delivered to the Purchasing Agent in the City of East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, or mailed to City of East Orange, Division of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. The sealed envelope must be distinctly marked: "PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY AND/OR ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ATTORNEY." Each submission must include one original (unbound), two bound copies, and one thumb-drive. Proposals must remain firm for sixty (60) days after the submission date. Detailed RFQ packets can be obtained from the Division of Procurement for a non-refundable fee of $25.00 or downloaded from the City's website. All inquiries regarding this RFQ should be directed to Racquel C Ferguson, Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent, via phone at (973) 266-5162 or email at racquel.ferguson@eastorange-nj.gov. UNLOCK