What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Union City seeks proposals from qualified law firms to provide special counsel services from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027. The selected firm will conduct legal research, draft ordinances and contracts, represent the City in litigation, attend Board of Commissioners meetings, and lead legal training programs as directed. Eligible firms must be licensed to practice law in New Jersey, possess significant experience representing New Jersey municipalities, and comply with state affirmative action and business registration requirements. Proposers must submit one original and two copies of their sealed proposal to 3715 Palisade Avenue no later than 10:15 am on November 23, 2026. The City will evaluate proposals based on experience and references, cost competitiveness, and familiarity with pending litigation against the City.
Scope of work
- Legal research and/or advisory opinions as needed
- Research and draft ordinances and/or resolutions
- Represent the City in litigation in federal and state courts and administrative forums
- Review and/or draft contracts, bid specifications and legal notices
- Attend meetings of the Board of Commissioners and/or individual Commissioners 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 detailing contract amounts, amendments, 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 litigation against the City and its officials for which special counsel may be necessary | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Law firms licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey
- Significant experience in representing New Jersey municipalities
- At least four (4) references, three (3) of which must have knowledge of representation of a public entity
- 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, phone and fax numbers, and assigned attorneys
- Areas of practice and attorneys' education, experience, and qualifications
- Experience representing public entities and record of success in an urban environment
- At least four (4) references (three with knowledge of public entity representation)
- Cost details including hourly rates, expenses, and a total not-to-exceed amount
- 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.