2026 Vernon Hills Park District RFQ Legal Services

Agency:	Vernon Hills Park District
State:	Illinois
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	541110 - Offices of Lawyers 721211 - RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds
Posted Date:	Feb 16, 2026
Due Date:	Mar 16, 2026
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Contact information:	Please Login to View Page
Bid Documents:	Please Login to View Page

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REQUEST FOR

QUALIFICATIONS/FEE PROPOSAL

LEGAL SERVICES

FEBRUARY 16, 2026

Sullivan Community Center

635 N. Aspen Drive

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS/FEE PROPOSALS (RFQ/P)

General Legal Counsel Services

Vernon Hills Park District

RFQ/P Issue Date: Monday, February 16, 2026

Proposal Due: Monday, March 16, 2026 by 12:00 PM (Central Time)

I. PURPOSE OF RFQ/P

The Vernon Hills Park District (“Park District”) is soliciting Proposals from qualified individuals or law firms

to provide general legal counsel and services. The selected firm or attorney will have demonstrated

expertise in park district, municipal, and special district law, including but not limited to contracts, land

use, public finance, employment law, litigation, and other legal matters encountered by local government

entities.

The Park District seeks a long-term relationship with legal counsel that provides efficient, professional,

and responsive services supporting governance, operations, and community programming.

II. PARK DISTRICT BACKGROUND

The Vernon Hills Park District serves the residents of Vernon Hills, Illinois located in Lake County. The

District manages recreational, educational, and cultural facilities and programs throughout approximately

10 square miles, serving a population of about 27,000 residents. It is governed by a five-member Board

of Commissioners that meets on 4th Thursday of each month, typically starting at 6PM. The Board

operates under the Illinois Park District Code and other applicable Illinois laws. Day-to-day operations are

led by the Executive Director, who reports to the Board.

Legal services will support the Park District’s administrative and operational functions, including

compliance with state and federal regulations, contracts, employment, land use, public finance, and other

matters arising in local government operations.

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Park District anticipates that general legal counsel services will include, but are not limited to:

• Compliance with the Illinois Park District Code

• Contract drafting, review, negotiation and interpretation

• Employment and labor law matters

• Real estate transactions and land use matters

• Zoning and development compliance

• Public finance, budgeting and appropriations

• Risk management coordination

• Municipal pension issues (e.g., IMRF)

• Public procurement and bidding compliance

• Litigation support and dispute resolution

• Ethics and conflict-of-interest compliance

• Taxation (levies, abatements, objections)

• General operational legal guidance

• FOIA and Open Meetings Act compliance

• Referendum assistance

• Other legal services as assigned

The Park District is not seeking specialized services such as workers’ compensation, insurance claims, or

bond counsel at this time and may engage outside counsel for those matters as required.

IV. PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must be organized in the following format:

1. Firm Legal Experience & Qualifications

• Overview of the firm, areas of practice, and relevant expertise

• Experience representing park districts, municipalities, or public entities

2. Firm Organization

• Firm size, structure, locations

• Attorneys and support staff to be assigned to the Park District

3. Attorney Qualifications

For each attorney proposed:

• Professional background, education and years of experience in park district/municipal law

• Current position and relevant credentials

4. References

• Provide at least five (5) professional references with contact information; at least three must be

with current or recent clients (within the past 3 years) and reflect similar service needs.

5. Proposed Compensation Structure

Provide:

• Hourly rates for attorneys and support staff

• Legal research, copying and other expenses

• Proposed retainer for routine services

• Billing increments and charges for Board meeting attendance

6. Service Delivery Approach

• Expected response times

• Communication methods (in-person, email, phone)

• Review of Board packets

• Availability for regular and special meetings

• Methods for updating the Park District on relevant law and industry best practices

7. Professional Liability Insurance

• Confirmation of cyber, general, and professional liability insurance, including coverage

amounts

8. Additional Information

• Any other information helpful for evaluating qualifications

V. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope labeled:

“RFQ/P – General Legal Counsel Services”

Submissions must include:

• One (1) original unbound document

Mail / Hand Delivery:

Vernon Hills Park District

Attn: Matthew LaPorte, Executive Director

635 N. Aspen Drive

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Proposals must be received by: Monday, March 16, 2026, 12:00 PM (CT).

Late submissions will not be considered. The Park District will not reimburse costs associated with

proposal preparation.

VI. RIGHT TO REJECT

The Park District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive irregularities, and accept the

proposal that best serves its interests, regardless of cost. The Park District may also negotiate terms

with any proposer to achieve more favorable outcomes and may cancel, modify, or reissue this RFQ/P if

determined to be in its best interest.

VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be scored using the following criteria:

Criteria

Legal Experience & Expertise

Qualifications & Availability

Service Approach

References

Fees & Cost Structure

Weight

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

The Park District may conduct interviews with selected firms.

VIII. TIMELINE

Date

Milestone

February 16, 2026

RFQ/P Issued

March 16, 2026

Proposals Due

April 23, 2026

Board Presentation

May 28, 2026

Board Appointment (Annual Meeting)

The selected firm is expected to be notified prior to the May 28, 2026 Board Meeting.

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

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