RFQ, Employment Counsel, March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027

C ITY OF E LIZAB E TH , C OUNTY OF U NION , N EW J ERSEY REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS EMPLOYMENT COUNSEL Contract Term March 1, 20 2 6 through February 2 8 , 20 2 7 SUBMISSION DEADLINE 4 :00 P .M. FEBRUARY 11 , 20 2 6 ADDRESS ALL QUALIFICATIONS STATEMENT PROPOSALS IN THE FORM REQUIRED IN THE SPECIFICATIONS AND ONE (1) ORIGINAL AND ( 2 ) COPIES MUST BE DELIVERED TO: BRIDGET S. ANDERSON, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION CITY OF ELIZABETH 50 WINFIELD SCOTT PLAZA ELIZABETH, NJ 07201 - 2 - GENERAL INFORMATION & SUMMARY ORGANIZATION REQUESTING QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS (PROPOSALS) CITY OF ELIZABETH DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION 50 WINFIELD SCOTT PLAZA ELIZABETH, NJ 07201 CONTACT PERSON BRIDGET S. ANDERSON, BUSINESS ADMIN I STRATOR DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION CITY OF ELIZABETH 50 WINFIELD SCOTT PLAZA ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY 07201 Office: (908) 820 - 4280 Fax: (908)820 - 0112 E - MAIL: banderson @elizabethnj.org PURPOSE OF REQUEST Th is document, entitled a Request for Qualifications for Employment Counsel , is issued by the Department of Administration of the City of Elizabeth. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is for the sole purpose of pre - qualifying prospective Employment Counsel on Qualification Statements and experience. This RFQ does not constitute a bid and is intended solely to obtain qualifications from which the City of Elizabeth (“the City”) may choose counsel that best meets the City’s needs. It is the City’s intent that no statutory, regulatory, or common law bidding requirement apply to this RFQ. The City intends to award contracts for these services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11 - 5 (a)(i) and Chapter 19, P.L. 2004 - N.J.S.A. 19:44A - 20. 5 et seq. One or more individuals/firms may be selected to provide services. Accordingly, this Request For Qualifications is being solicited under a fair and open process. PERIOD OF CONTRACT March 1, 20 2 6 through February 2 8 , 202 7 . - 3 - CONTRACT FORM The successful Firm shall be required to execute the City’s contract, which includes the indemnification, insurance, termination and licensing provisions. It is also agreed and understood that the acceptance of the final payment by Contractor shall be considered a release in full of all claims against the City arising out of, or by reason of, the work done and materials furnished under this Contract. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT COUNSEL 1. CITY OF ELIZABETH - FACTS AND FIGURES – The City of Elizabeth is a legal, governmental entity. The City was incorporated in 1855 and operates under N.J.S.A 40:69A - 1 et seq., “the Optional Municipal Charter Law - Mayor - Council Plan.”. The legislative authority and responsibilities of the City of Elizabeth is vested in the elected nine - member City Council. The executive power of the City is exercised by the Mayor who is responsible for enforcing the ordinances and general laws of the City. The City of Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey. The City’s population is in excess of 120,000 and it consists of approximately 11.7 square miles of area. The City employs approximately 1,200 people. A regional center of labor, retail, manufacturing, and transportation, the City is also the County seat of Union County, attracting the corresponding concentration of government, legal and related professional services. The largest employment sectors in the City include commercial, health, transportation, construction, retail and light industry. The City’s operating budget is approximately $ 3 50 million. It provides a variety of services consisting of police and fire protection, maintenance of City streets, water and sewer systems, health and human services, park and recreational facilities, cultural activities, and refuse collection. 2. NATURE/ SCOPE OF SERVICES – The City of Elizabeth is requesting proposals from qualified individuals and firms to provide Legal Services spanning all facets of employment counsel . The Proposer(s) s hal