What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Union City seeks proposals from law firms to serve as Substitute Municipal Court Prosecutor for the contract period from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027. The selected firm will provide legal counsel, prosecute municipal court cases not handled by county or state officials, meet with the Union City Police Department, handle other court-directed matters, and submit monthly billing statements. Eligible applicants must be law firms licensed to practice in New Jersey with significant experience prosecuting cases in New Jersey municipal courts. Firms must also comply with state Affirmative Action requirements and provide proof of business registration with the New Jersey Division of Taxation, alongside required ownership, Iran investment, and Russia or Belarus non-involvement disclosures. The City of Union City evaluates proposals based on cost competitiveness and the expense required to familiarize the attorney with the legal matters. Interested firms must submit one original and two copies on white 8.5-by-11-inch paper to 3715 Palisade Avenue no later than 1:45 p.m. on November 20, 2026.
Scope of work
- Provide legal counsel and advice for the preparation and prosecution of cases
- Conduct prosecution of cases excluding crimes prosecuted by County or State officials
- Attend, schedule, and conduct meetings with the Union City Police Department
- Perform any other matters as directed by the Municipal Court
- Provide monthly billing statements detailing contract amounts, billed amounts, and remaining funds
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 |
| 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 |
| Cost and expense necessary to familiarize the attorney with legal issues arising in the prosecution of municipal offenses | Not specified |
| Cost competitiveness in light of all of the above factors | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey
- Significant experience in the prosecution of cases in municipal courts in New Jersey
- Experience prosecuting cases in Municipal Court in an urban environment in New Jersey
- At least four (4) references, three (3) with knowledge of municipal court and criminal law practice
- Compliance with N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (Affirmative Action)
- Proof of business registration with the New Jersey Division of Taxation (P.L. 2004, C.57)
Documents to include with your response
- Firm name, office addresses, and assigned attorneys' qualifications and experience
- At least four (4) references
- Cost details including hourly rates, time estimates, expenses, and not-to-exceed total
- Statement of Ownership Disclosure (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2)
- Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form
- Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus
- New Jersey Business Registration Certificate
- Statement Concerning Ethics Complaints
- Affirmative Action compliance documentation (after award, prior to contract execution)
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed proposals
- Instructions
- Submit one original and two (2) copies on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper to Hilda I. Rosario, City Clerk, City of Union City, 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, New Jersey 07087.