Legal Service

The Essex County Improvement Authority seeks statements of qualifications from law firms and individual practitioners licensed to practice law in New Jersey to establish a 2027 pool of outside legal counsel. The scope requires offsite legal representation, advice, and assistance across various areas, including tort claims, property damage, zoning, real estate, eminent domain, collections, bond transactions, contract negotiations, litigation, improvement authority law, and tax issues. Selected respondents will join a qualified list, and the Authority will enter into case-by-case contracts throughout calendar year 2027, which it may terminate at any time upon 30 days' written notice. Eligible respondents must be USA-based organizations licensed to practice law in New Jersey. Bidders must submit one copy of their statement via the ECIA Purchasing Portal at www.eciaprocure.org by 12:00 PM EST on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. After uploading the submission, bidders must email Betsy Williamson to confirm receipt and address all written correspondence to her. The Authority evaluates statements based on technical criteria, including completeness and responsiveness, as well as management criteria, such as track record, qualifications, and personnel experience. Bidders must supply an hourly fee schedule for their professionals, and the Authority caps compensation for outside legal counsel at $150.00 per hour.