Substitute Public Defender

2026-11-03

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 attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey that wish to be appointed Substitute Public Defender for 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 as amended . ( Affirmative Action , see Exhibit A included herewith ). The successful attorney must have significant experience in Municipal Court . The successful attorney among his / her other duties may be requested to do any or all of the following : 1 . Represent , as needed , when the public defender is unavailable , any defendant charged with an offense in the Municipal Court who is an indigent defendant entitled to representation pursuant to P . L . 1997 , c . 256 ( N . J . S . A . 2B : 24 - 1 et seq .); 2 . Appear before the Municipal Court on behalf of defendants as assigned by the Municipal Court ; and 3 . Any other matters as directed by the Municipal Court . Professional Information and Qualifications Copies of these 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 attorney shall submit the following information : 1 . Name of attorney / 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 attorney will be assigned to the position of public defender ; 3 . Areas of Practice ; 4 . Description of attorneys ’ education , experience , qualifications , number of years with the present law firm and a description of their experience with the position of public defender similar to those described above ; 5 . Experience related to representation of clients in Municipal Court in New Jersey and criminal law practice ; 6 . At least four ( 4 ) references , three ( 3 ) of which must have knowledge of your practice in municipal court ; 7 . The firm ’ s ability to provide the services in a timely fashion ( including staffing , familiarity and location of key staff ); 8 . Cost details , including the hourly rates of each of the individuals who will perform the services and the time estimates for each individual , all expenses , and where appropriate , total cost or “ not to exceed ” amount ; 9 . Statement of ownership disclosure ( c . 52 : 25 - 24 . 2 ) ( form provided ); 10 . Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form ( prior to the award of contract but preferably with the proposal . Form provided ); 11 . Certification of Non - Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus ( Prior to the award of contract but preferably with the proposal . Form provided ); 12 . Business Registration Certificate ( prior to the award of contract but preferably with the proposal ); 13 . 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 14 . The successful proposer must comply with the requirements set forth in the Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity language included herewith ( Exhibit A ).

New Jersey

2026-04-29