Special Counsel

City of Union City Request for Proposals from Law Firms
Interested in Serving as Special Counsel for the City of Union City
from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Introduction
Pursuant to the Fair and Open Process described under N.J.S.A. 19:44A-1,
et seq., the City of Union City ("City") seeks proposals in response to this Request
for Proposals ("RFP") from law firms licensed to practice law in the State of New
Jersey that wish to provide special counsel services to the City as directed by the
Corporation Counsel, the Board of Commissioners or other appropriate official within
the City for a contract period from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. All
candidates are required to comply with N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27
et seq. as amended. (Affirmative Action. See Exhibit A attached hereto). The
successful firms must have significant experience in representing New Jersey
municipalities. The successful firm will provide the City with legal guidance relating
to, but not necessarily limited to:
1. Legal research and/or advisory opinions as needed;
2. Research and draft ordinances and/or resolutions;
3. Represent the City in litigation in federal and state courts and administrative
forums;
4. Review and/or draft contracts, bid specifications and legal notices;
5. Attend meetings of the Board of Commissioners and/or individual
Commissioners upon request;
6. Conduct programs on specified legal issues for appropriate elected officials
and/or city employees upon request;
7. Any other matters as directed by the City.
8. The vendor shall provide monthly billing statements that include a brief
statement showing the original amount of the Contract, any increases
established by amendment to the Contract, the amount previously billed
under the Contract, and the total amount of unbilled funds remaining available
under the Contract, and the total amount of unbilled funds remaining available
under the Contract after deduction of the most recent amount billed. A copy
of each billing statement shall be made available to the State Fiscal Oversight
Officer upon request.
Each candidate shall submit proof of business registration with the New
Jersey Division of Taxation (P.L. 2004, C.57) prior to the award of contract but
preferably with their proposal, and must comply with the Affirmative Action
requirements contained at N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (See Exhibit A attached hereto).

Proposers are advised that the contract with the successful proposer will
permit the City to make payments to the successful proposer for approved services
in accordance with, and within the time permitted by, the law governing prompt
payment of public contracts for the purchase of goods and services.
Professional Information and Qualifications
Copies of this standardized submission requirements and selection criteria
are on file and available from the Office of the City Clerk. In addition to the forms
included herewith, each interested firm shall submit the following information:
1. Name of Firm;
2. Address of principal place of business and all attorneys or firm's offices and
corresponding telephone and fax numbers. Please note specifically which
attorneys will be assigned to work with the City;
3. Areas of Practice;
4. Description of firm's attorneys' education, experience, qualifications, number
of years with the firm and a description of their experience with projects
similar to those described above;
5. Experience related to representation of public entities;
6. At least four (4) references, three (3) of which must have knowledge of your
representation of a public entity;
7. Examples of your record of success representing public entities in an urban
environment;
8. The firm's ability to provide the services in a timely fashion (including staffing,
familiarity and location of key staff);
9. Cost details, including the hourly rates of each of the individuals who will
perform the services, all expenses, and a total "not to exceed" amount;
10. Statement of Ownership Disclosure (c.52:25-24.2) (form provided);
11. Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form (prior to the award of contract
but preferably with the proposal. Form provided;
12. Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus
(Prior to the award of contract but preferably with the proposal. Form
provided);
13. Business Registration Certificate (prior to the award of contract but preferably
with the proposal);
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14. Statement, see attached, executed by a corporate officer, member, partner or
sole proprietor certifying that there are no prior or pending ethics complaints
against them or their company; and
15. The successful proposer must comply with the requirements set forth in the
Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity language included herewith
(Exhibit A).
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria used in awarding a contract or agreement for
professional services as described herein shall include:
1. Qualifications of the individuals who will perform the tasks and the amounts of
their respective participation;
2. Experience and references;
3. Ability to perform the task in a timely fashion, including staffing and familiarity
with the subject matter;
4. Cost competitiveness; and
5. Due consideration will be given to familiarity with pending litigation against the
City and its officials for which special counsel may be necessary.
Submission Requirements
Proposals will be publicly opened by the Acting Union City Clerk in her offices at
Union City Hall, 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, at 10:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026.
Sealed proposals must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026 by:
Hilda I. Rosario, City Clerk
City of Union City
3715 Palisade Avenue
Union City, New Jersey 07087
Please submit one original and two (2) copies of the RFP. Use white 8 12" x 11"
paper.
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STATEMENT CONCERNING ETHICS COMPLAINTS
I, ___________________, of full age and to the best of my knowledge and
belief, as of the date of this Certification, hereby certify as follows:
1. I am the _____________ in connection with the firm, entity,
partnership, sole proprietorship which entity is submitting this proposal to the City of
Union City.
2. I am aware of no prior or pending ethics complaints against myself or
any firm or entity.
I hereby certify that the foregoing statements made by me are true. I am
aware that if any of the foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am
subject to punishment.
Dated: _________________ By: _______________________
Print Name: ________________
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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP DISCLOSURE
N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (P.L. 1977, c.33, as amended by P.L. 2016, c.43)
This statement shall be completed, certified to, and included with all bid and proposal
submissions. Failure to submit the required information is cause for automatic rejection of the
bid or proposal.
Name of
Organization:_____________________________________________________________
Organization
Address:_________________________________________________________________
Part I Check the box that represents the type of business organization:

Sole Proprietorship (skip Parts II and III, execute certification in Part IV)

Non-Profit Corporation (skip Parts II and III, execute certification in Part IV)

For-Profit Corporation (any type) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Other (be specific): ______________________________________________
Part II

The list below contains the names and addresses of all stockholders in the corporation
who own 10 percent or more of its stock, of any class, or of all individual partners in
the partnership who own a 10 percent or greater interest therein, or of all members in
the limited liability company who own a 10 percent or greater interest therein, as the
case may be. (COMPLETE THE LIST BELOW IN THIS SECTION)
OR

No one stockholder in the corporation owns 10 percent or more of its stock, of any
class, or no individual partner in the partnership owns a 10 percent or greater interest
therein, or no member in the limited liability company owns a 10 percent or greater
interest therein, as the case may be. (SKIP TO PART IV)
(Please attach additional sheets if more space is needed):
Name of Individual or Business Entity Home Address (for Individuals) or Business Address
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Part III DISCLOSURE OF 10% OR GREATER OWNERSHIP IN THE
STOCKHOLDERS, PARTNERS OR LLC MEMBERS LISTED IN PART II
If a bidder has a direct or indirect parent entity which is publicly traded, and any person
holds a 10 percent or greater beneficial interest in the publicly traded parent entity as of
the last annual federal Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) or foreign equivalent
filing, ownership disclosure can be met by providing links to the website(s) containing the last
annual filing(s) with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission (or foreign equivalent)
that contain the name and address of each person holding a 10% or greater beneficial interest in
the publicly traded parent entity, along with the relevant page numbers of the filing(s) that
contain the information on each such person. Attach additional sheets if more space is
needed.
Website (URL) containing the last annual SEC (or foreign equivalent) Page #'s
filing
Please list the names and addresses of each stockholder, partner or member owning a 10 percent
or greater interest in any corresponding corporation, partnership and/or limited liability company
(LLC) listed in Part II other than for any publicly traded parent entities referenced above.
The disclosure shall be continued until names and addresses of every noncorporate stockholder,
and individual partner, and member exceeding the 10 percent ownership criteria established
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 has been listed. Attach additional sheets if more space is
needed.
Stockholder/Partner/Member and Corresponding Entity Home Address (for Individuals) or
Listed in Part II Business Address
Part IV Certification
I, being duly sworn upon my oath, hereby represent that the foregoing information and any
attachments thereto to the best of my knowledge are true and complete. I acknowledge: that I
am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of the bidder/proposer; that the City of
Union City is relying on the information contained herein and that I am under a continuing
obligation from the date of this certification through the completion of any contracts with City
to notify City in writing of any changes to the information contained herein; that I am aware
that it is a criminal offense to make a false statement or misrepresentation in this certification,
and if I do so, I am subject to criminal prosecution under the law and that it will constitute a
material breach of my agreement(s) with the, permitting the City of Union City to declare any
contract(s) resulting from this certification void and unenforceable.
Full Name (Print): Title:
Signature: Date:
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DISCLOSURE OF INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES IN IRAN
PART 1: CERTIFICATION
BIDDERS MUST COMPLETE PART 1 BY CHECKING EITHER BOX.
FAILURE TO CHECK EITHER BOX WILL RENDER THE PROPOSAL NON-
RESPONSIVE.
Pursuant to Public Law 2012, c. 25, any person or entity that submits a bid or proposal or otherwise proposes to enter into or
renew a contract must complete the certification below to attest, under penalty of perjury, that neither the person or entity,
nor any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates, is identified on the Department of Treasury's Chapter 25 list as a person or
entity engaging in investment activities in Iran. The Chapter 25 list is found on the Division's website at
http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/pdf/Chapter25List.pdf. Bidders must review this list prior to completing the below
certification. Failure to complete the certification will render a bidder's proposal non-responsive. If the Director finds
a person or entity to be in violation of law, s/he shall take action as may be appropriate and provided by law, rule or
contract, including but not limited to, imposing sanctions, seeking compliance, recovering damages, declaring the party in
default and seeking debarment or suspension of the party.
PLEASE CHECK EITHER BOX:
I certify, pursuant to Public Law 2012, c. 25, that neither the person/entity listed above nor any of the
entity's parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates is listed on the N.J. Department of the Treasury's list of entities
determined to be engaged in prohibited activities in Iran pursuant to P.L. 2012, c. 25 ("Chapter 25 List"). I further
certify that I am the person listed above, or I am an officer or representative of the entity listed above and am
authorized to make this certification on its behalf. I will skip Part 2 and sign and complete the Certification
OR
I am unable to certify as above because I or the bidding entity and/or one or more of its parents,
subsidiaries, or affiliates is listed on the Department's Chapter 25 list. I will provide a detailed, accurate
and precise description of the activities in Part 2 below and sign and complete the Certification below.
Failure to provide such will result in the proposal being rendered as non-responsive and appropriate penalties,
fines and/or sanctions will be assessed as provided by law.
Part 2
PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES IN IRAN
You must provide a detailed, accurate and precise description of the activities of the bidding person/entity, or one of its
parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, engaging in the investment activities in Iran outlined above by completing the boxes
below.
PROVIDE INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS. PLEASE PROVIDE THOROUGH ANSWERS
TO EACH QUESTION. IF YOU NEED TO MAKE ADDITIONAL ENTRIES, USE ADDITIONAL PAGES
Name: Relationship to
Bidder/Vendor:
Description of Activities:
Duration of Engagement: Anticipated Cessation Date ______
Bidder/Vendor
Contact Name: Contact Phone Number:
Certification: I, being duly sworn upon my oath, hereby represent and state that the foregoing information and any
attachments thereto to the best of my knowledge are true and complete. I attest that I am authorized to execute this
certification on behalf of the below-referenced person or entity. I acknowledge that the City of Union City is relying on the
information contained herein and thereby acknowledge that I am under a continuing obligation from the date of this
certification through the completion of contracts with the City to notify the City in writing of any changes to the answers of
information contained herein. I acknowledge that I am aware that it is a criminal offense to make a false statement or
misrepresentation in this certification, and if I do so, I recognize that I am subject to criminal prosecution under the law and
that it will also constitute a material breach of my agreements(s) with the City of Union City and that the City at its option
may declare any contract(s) resulting from this certification void and unenforceable.
Full Name (Print): Signature:
Title: Date:
Bidder/Vendor:________________________________________
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CERTIFICATION OF NONINVOLVEMENT IN PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES IN
RUSSIA OR BELARUS
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-60.1, et seq. (L. 2022, c. 3) any person or entity (hereinafter "Vendori") that seeks
to enter into or renew a contract with a State agency for the provision of goods or services, or the purchase of
bonds or other obligations, must complete the certification below indicating whether or not the Vendor is
identified on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked
Persons list, available here: https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/. If the Department of the Treasury finds
that a Vendor has made a certification in violation of the law, it shall take any action as may be appropriate
and provided by law, rule or contract, including but not limited to, imposing sanctions, seeking compliance,
recovering damages, declaring the party in default and seeking debarment or suspension of the party.
I, the undersigned, certify that I have read the definition of "Vendor" below, and have reviewed the Office of
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list, and having done so
certify:
(Check the Circle the Appropriate letter)
A. That the Vendor is not identified on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list
on account of activity related to Russia and/or Belarus.
OR
B. That I am unable to certify as to "A" above, because the Vendor is identified on the OFAC Specially
Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list on account of activity related to Russia and/or Belarus.
OR
C. That I am unable to certify as to "A" above, because the Vendor is identified on the OFAC Specially
Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list. However, the Vendor is engaged in activity related to Russia
and/or Belarus consistent with federal law, regulation, license or exemption. A detailed description of how the
Vendor's activity related to Russia and/or Belarus is consistent with federal law is set forth below.
(Attach Additional Sheets If Necessary.)
Signature of Vendor's Authorized Representative Date
Print Name and Title of Vendor's Authorized Representative Vendor's FEIN
Vendor's Name Vendor's Phone Number
Vendor's Address (Street Address) Vendor's Fax Number
Vendor's Address (City/State/Zip Code) Vendor's Email Address
i Vendor means: (1) A natural person, corporation, company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership,
limited liability company, business association, sole proprietorship, joint venture, partnership, society, trust, or
any other nongovernmental entity, organization, or group; (2) Any governmental entity or instrumentality of a
government, including a multilateral development institution, as defined in Section1701(c)(3) of the International
Financial Institutions Act, 22 U.S.C. 262r(c)(3); or (3) Any parent, successor, subunit, direct or indirect
subsidiary, or any entity under common ownership or control with, any entity described in paragraph (1) or (2).
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EXHIBIT A
MANDATORY EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY LANGUAGE
N.J.S.A 10:5-31 et seq. (P.L.1975, c.127)
;
N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.
GOODS, GENERAL SERVICES, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS
During the performance of this contract, the contractor agrees as follows:
The contractor or subcontractor, where applicable, will not discriminate against any
employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, creed, color, national origin,
ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
disability, nationality or sex. Except with respect to affectional or sexual orientation and gender
identity or expression, the contractor will ensure that equal employment opportunity is
afforded to such applicants in recruitment and employment, and that employees are treated
during employment, without regard to their age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry,
marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability,
nationality or sex. Such equal employment opportunity shall include, but not be limited to the
following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment
advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection
for training, including apprenticeship. The contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places,
available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by the Public
Agency Compliance Officer setting forth provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.
The contractor or subcontractor, where applicable will, in all solicitations or advertise-
ments for employees placed by or on behalf of the contractor, state that all qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color,
national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, disability, nationality or sex.
The contractor or subcontractor will send to each labor union, with which it has a collec-
tive bargaining agreement, a notice, to be provided by the agency contracting officer, advising
the labor union of the contractor's commitments under this chapter and shall post copies of the
notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment.
The contractor or subcontractor, where applicable, agrees to comply with any regulations
promulgated by the Treasurer pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq., as amended and
supplemented from time to time and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The contractor or subcontractor agrees to make good faith efforts to meet targeted
county employment goals established in accordance with N.J.A.C. 17:27-5.2.
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EXHIBIT A (Cont.)
The contractor or subcontractor agrees to inform in writing its appropriate recruitment agencies
including, but not limited to, employment agencies, placement bureaus, colleges, universities, and
labor unions, that it does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin,
ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability,
nationality or sex, and that it will discontinue the use of any recruitment agency which engages in
direct or indirect discriminatory practices.
The contractor or subcontractor agrees to revise any of its testing procedures, if necessary,
to assure that all personnel testing conforms with the principles of job related testing, as
established by the statutes and court decisions of the State of New Jersey and as established by
applicable Federal law and applicable Federal court decisions.
In conforming with the targeted employment goals, the contractor or subcontractor agrees
to review all procedures relating to transfer, upgrading, downgrading and layoff to ensure that all
such actions are taken without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital
status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or
sex, consistent with the statutes and court decisions of the State of New Jersey, and applicable
Federal law and applicable Federal court decisions.
The contractor shall submit to the public agency, after notification of award but prior to
execution of a goods and services contract, one of the following three documents:
Letter of Federal Affirmative Action Plan Approval;
Certificate of Employee Information Report; or
Employee Information Report Form AA-302 (electronically provided by the Division and
distributed to the public agency through the Division's website at: http://
www.state.nj.us/treasury/contract_compliance/.
The contractor and its subcontractors shall furnish such reports or other documents to the
Division of Purchase & Property, CCAU, EEO Monitoring Program as may be requested by the
office from time to time in order to carry out the purposes of these regulations, and public
agencies shall furnish such information as may be requested by the Division of Purchase &
Property, CCAU, EEO Monitoring Program for conducting a compliance investigation pursuant
to N.J.A.C. 17:27-1.1 et seq.