Request for Qualifications for Special Labor Counsel

Orange Village, Ohio

Section I: Overview

Orange Village, an Ohio village operating under its charter, ordinances, and state law, seeks qualified legal professionals or firms to provide special legal services for negotiating a police union contract which will expire in 2025. Such special counsel may thereafter be engaged by the Village for labor and/or employment matters as the need may arise. The selected special counsel will act as co-counsel with the law director to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws as well as the charter and ordinances of Orange Village. The Orange Village charter requires the recognition of a collective bargaining unit for sworn, full-time police officers. The Village’s ordinances and the existing collective bargaining agreement exclude the Chief of Police, the Assistant Chief of Police and the rank of Lieutenant from the bargaining unit. The two bargaining units recognized by the current agreement are all full-time sworn police officers below the rank of sergeant who are employed by the Village and all full-time sworn officers of the rank of sergeant or above, but excluding the ranks of Lieutenant or Chief.

The scope of services will include:

  • Preparing for and conducting negotiations with the police union.
  • Advising the municipality on legal and strategic matters related to the negotiation process including attending executive sessions with the Village Council, as necessary.
  • Ensuring compliance with Ohio Revised Code and relevant federal laws.
  • Drafting and reviewing contract proposals and final agreements.
  • Providing legal insight on issues salient to the negotiation process.

The State Employment Relations Board does not have statutory jurisdiction to hear matters related to Orange Village collective bargaining agreement. Thus, any disputes that cannot be resolved via negotiations will not be subject to SERB sponsored proceedings.

Section II: Qualifications Required

Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications:

  • Extensive experience in collective bargaining labor negotiations, with a particular focus on public sector and police union contracts.
  • Familiarity with federal and Ohio labor laws, municipal law, and collective bargaining requirements.
  • Proven ability to act as co-counsel alongside a municipal Law Director.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and drafting skills.

 

 

Section III: Submission Process

Qualified firms or individuals should submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) on or before 4:00 pm March 28, 2025 electronically to Clerk of Council Anna Girardi at agirardi@orangevillage.com or hard copies may be submitted to 4600 Lander Road, Orange Village, Ohio 44122. Submissions received by the Clerk of Council after 4:00 pm on March 28, 2025, will not be considered.

Submissions must include:

  • Cover letter detailing interest and qualifications.
  • Documentation of relevant experience and representative matters.
  • References from similar projects.
  • Resumes of key personnel.
  • Fee schedule or cost proposal.
  • A typical timeline for the negotiation process from initial notice to council approval of final agreement, assuming legal counsel is engaged by the end of April.

Section IV: Evaluation and Selection Process

The Mayor and Village Council will review all SOQs based on the following criteria:

  • Experience in public sector and police union labor negotiations.
  • Understanding of applicable federal and Ohio laws.
  • Professional references.
  • Cost-effectiveness of proposed fees.
  • Responsiveness and clarity of the submission.

Individuals or firms may be invited for interviews with the Mayor and Council.

Section V: Contract Negotiations

The most qualified firm, as chosen at the sole discretion of the Village Council, will be selected for contract negotiations. If an agreement cannot be reached, Orange Village reserves the right to negotiate with the next most qualified firm, as determined by Orange Village Council in its sole discretion. Orange Village reserves the right to reject all SOQs and choose an alternative method of selecting special counsel.

Section VI: Contract Award

If Council, in its sole discretion, determines a contract shall be awarded to a successful person or firm the Council will pass an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute such contract with the successful person or firm. After the contract has been duly executed, work under the contract will commence.