What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Union City seeks proposals from law firms to provide special tax appeal counsel, legal, and litigation services. The selected firm will conduct legal research, draft pleadings and settlement stipulations, represent the City in courts and administrative forums, attend meetings, and conduct legal programs for officials and employees upon request. Eligible applicants must be United States organizations licensed to practice law in New Jersey with significant experience representing New Jersey municipalities in Tax Court and County Boards of Taxation. Proposers must submit attorney qualifications, at least four references, staffing details, hourly rates or not-to-exceed costs, and required state compliance disclosures. The contract runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with offsite performance and monthly billing statements required. The City evaluates proposals based on experience, references, cost competitiveness, and familiarity with pending tax appeal litigation, though submission deadlines and a fixed budget are not specified.
Scope of work
- Legal research and/or advisory opinions as needed
- Draft pleadings and stipulations of settlement related to tax appeals
- Represent the City in litigation in federal and state courts and administrative forums regarding tax appeal issues
- Attend meetings of the Board of Commissioners and/or Committees upon request
- Conduct programs on specified legal issues for appropriate elected officials and/or city employees upon request
- Any other matters as directed by the City
- Provide monthly billing statements showing contract amounts, amendments, previously billed amounts, and remaining unbilled 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 |
| Experience and references | Not specified |
| Ability to perform the task in a timely fashion, including staffing and familiarity with the subject matter | Not specified |
| Cost competitiveness | Not specified |
| Familiarity with pending tax appeal litigation against the City and its officials | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Law firm licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey
- Significant experience representing New Jersey municipalities in Tax Court and County Boards of Taxation
- At least four (4) references, three (3) with knowledge of public entity tax appeal representation
- Proof of business registration with the New Jersey Division of Taxation
- Compliance with Affirmative Action requirements under N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.
Documents to include with your response
- Firm name, office addresses, and assigned attorneys' contact information
- Areas of practice and attorneys' education, experience, and qualifications
- At least four (4) references and examples of record of success
- Cost details including hourly rates, time estimates, and expenses
- 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
- Business Registration Certificate
- Statement Concerning Ethics Complaints
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed hard copy
- 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.