What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Union City seeks proposals from law firms licensed in New Jersey to provide corporation counsel services from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. The selected counsel will provide legal research, advisory opinions, representation in court and administrative forums, application reviews, ordinance and resolution drafting, and attendance at Board of Commissioners meetings. The role explicitly excludes specialized positions, including tenant advocate, bond counsel, and municipal prosecutor. Eligible firms must demonstrate significant experience representing New Jersey municipalities as general counsel, specifically in urban settings and under the commission form of government. Proposals must include attorney qualifications, at least four references, cost details, and required state disclosures. Selection criteria include municipal legal experience, attorney familiarization costs, and cost competitiveness. Proposers must submit one original and two copies on white 8 ½” x 11” paper to 3715 Palisade Avenue no later than 10:30 a.m. on November 20, 2026.
Scope of work
- Legal research and/or advisory opinions as needed
- Represent the City in federal and state courts and administrative forums
- Review, analyze and advise the City on any application before it
- Review and/or draft resolutions and ordinances
- Attend all meetings of the Board of Commissioners and any other board or committee as directed
- Perform all requirements of Corporation Counsel pursuant to the City of Union City Code
- Conduct programs on municipal issues for elected officials, City employees, Board members, or others
- Notify the City of changes in law, regulations, and Court decisions impacting the City and officials
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Qualifications of the individuals who will perform the tasks and the amounts of their respective participation | Not specified |
| Experience in representing municipalities as general counsel in urban environments substantially similar to the City of Union City and references | Not specified |
| Ability to perform the task in a timely fashion, including staffing and familiarity with the subject matter | Not specified |
| Ability to be available with the appropriate personnel at all times necessary to accomplish the representation | Not specified |
| The cost and expense that will be necessary to familiarize the attorney with the municipal issues facing the City | Not specified |
| Cost competitiveness in light of all of the above factors | Not specified |
| Proven experience as a municipal attorney and extensive knowledge of municipal law including Open Public Meetings Act, OPRA, and pay to play laws | Not specified |
| Experience in representing municipality(ies) operating under the commission form of government | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey
- Significant experience in representing New Jersey municipalities as corporation counsel
- Experience representing municipalities as general counsel in an urban environment substantially similar to Union City
- Attorney or firm having a Diplomate in New Jersey Local Government Law is preferred
Documents to include with your response
- Firm name, address of principal place of business, and all office contact details identifying assigned attorneys
- Description of attorneys' education, experience, qualifications, years with firm, and similar project experience
- At least four (4) references, three (3) with knowledge of municipal representation as corporation counsel
- Examples of record of success representing municipalities as corporation counsel
- Cost details, including hourly rates, time estimates, expenses, and total cost or not to exceed amount
- Statement of Ownership Disclosure
- Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form
- Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus
- Business Registration Certificate with the New Jersey Division of Taxation
- Executed Statement Concerning Ethics Complaints
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed proposals
- Instructions
- Submit one original and two (2) copies on white 8 ½” x 11” paper to Hilda I. Rosario, City Clerk, City of Union City, 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, New Jersey 07086.