Legal Services

The Vendor is required to provide legal services for a term of one (1) year commencing August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
- Requirement:
• Board meetings when directed; review board meeting agendas in advance; advise on compliance with the new jersey open meetings act, governance requirements, agency policies and procedures, and by-laws.
• Advise on regulations pertaining to federal, state, and local government, including housing, real estate, procurement, and contractual issues.
• Advise on civil rights and fair housing requirements, including claims involving the civil rights act of 1964, the rehabilitation act of 1973, the act and the fair housing act.
• Advise on employment issues, personnel rules, discrimination and wrongful termination claims, workers’ compensation, and OSHA compliance, when so directed.
• Confer with and advise the officers, employees, and members of the board of commissioners on legal matters when requested.
• Draft and review legal documents, papers, contracts, agreements, certifications, resolutions, specifications, bonds, waivers, and such other legal drafting as may be required.
• Appear for and represent the agency in court in all litigated matters, except as otherwise provided.
• Prepare and prosecute eviction (forcible detainer) lawsuits in district court as requested, from preparation of eviction complaint through entry of judgment of possession.
• Trial work shall be billed at the set hourly rate.
• Guidance and representation regarding personnel actions, including employment compensation hearings, workers’ compensation claims, employment discrimination claims, and equal employment hearings.
• Advise on real estate procedures and assist with completion of real estate transactions, including acquisition and disposition of real property and examination of title.
• Defend the agency in litigation arising out of the course of agency operations; consult with insurance carrier-retained counsel as needed.
• Review federal guidelines and regulations and advise the agency and staff as to consequences as necessary; review all potential contract terminations and draft notices of termination.
• Review, advise, and represent the agency regarding disputes arising out of the bid process, vendor contracts, construction contracts, and labor law issues.
• Advise on procurement law, including drafting and reviewing vendor contracts, ifbs, rfps, and related documents; advise and assist with the agency’s dwelling lease(s) and tenant grievance hearings.
• Any other legal services as may be requested by the agency board of commissioners and executive director.