RFQ City Solicitor 2027

The City of Summit, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Statements (RFQ) from experienced firms and/or individuals for the provision of 2027 Legal Services, specifically for the role of City Solicitor. This Request for Qualifications seeks to identify highly capable and willing professionals to provide high-quality legal services to the city. The scope of work for the City Solicitor position encompasses a wide range of legal responsibilities, including meeting attendance, preparation of routine resolutions and ordinances, telephone communications related to municipal affairs, and general legal counsel to the City Administration and Common Council. The selected firm or individual will be expected to demonstrate continuous capability to perform these essential municipal legal functions, ensuring comprehensive legal support for the City of Summit's operations and governance in the upcoming fiscal year. The engagement aims to secure professional legal expertise that offers the greatest benefit to Summit taxpayers through effective and cost-efficient service delivery. This RFQ process is governed by the New Jersey Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law, N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 et seq., and Summit Pay to Play Ordinance 2-90, ensuring a fair and competitive selection. Contractor qualifications require firms or individuals to demonstrate extensive experience and a strong reputation in the field of municipal law, along with a comprehensive understanding of the City of Summit and the specific subject matter addressed in this RFQ. Respondents must detail their overall experience, provide at least two relevant references with contact information, and describe how their past work is relevant to the City Solicitor role. Mandatory administrative requirements include an executive summary (not exceeding two pages), an executed Letter of Qualification, and an executed Letter of Intent. Firms must provide their business organization type, ownership details, including names and business addresses of all principals (investors with operational control or stockholders with 10% or more ownership), and confirm compliance with all applicable local, State, and Federal laws. Respondents must submit a copy of their New Jersey Business Registration Certificate and confirm appropriate federal and state licenses. Professional information requirements include resumes of key employees, a list of attorneys' areas of expertise/specialties, and a narrative statement demonstrating an understanding of the City's needs and goals. Any professional malpractice judgments or bankruptcy proceedings within the last three to ten years, respectively, must be disclosed. Qualification Statements must be submitted in an original and one (1) copy to the Designated Contact Person, Tammie Baldwin, City Administrator, at 512 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901. The submission deadline is precisely 4:00 p.m. prevailing time on November 5, 2026. Submissions will not be accepted via facsimile or e-mail, and late submissions will be rejected. The City specifies an hourly rate of $180.00 for attorneys and $100.00 for paralegals and clerks, with a monthly retainer fee of $3,000.00 for routine services. Expenses for duplication, filing fees, and court reporters are reimbursable at cost, while travel time, tolls, and mileage are not. Monthly invoices detailing services performed must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the current month, and invoices not received within 60 days will be considered null and void. All communications regarding this RFQ must be directed in writing to Tammie Baldwin, City Administrator.