Description
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Town Attorney / Municipal Legal Services
Town of Athens, New York
1. Introduction
The Town of Athens, Greene County, New York, is seeking sealed proposals from qualified attorneys or law firms to serve as Town Attorney. The Town seeks legal counsel experienced in municipal law, land use, zoning, litigation, contracts, labor issues, and general governmental operations.
2. Scope of Services
The Town Attorney will provide:
Legal advice to the Town Board, Supervisor, and departments, directly relating to Town Business and Matters.
Attendance at Board meetings, as requested.
Drafting/review of laws, resolutions, and contracts
FOIL, Open Meetings Law, ethics guidance
Planning Board and ZBA legal support, as requested.
SEQRA and land use counsel
Representation in litigation or coordination with outside counsel
Labor and employment negotiations and advisement
Real property transactions and procurement compliance
3. Minimum Qualifications
Licensed to practice in New York State
Minimum 5 years municipal or governmental law experience
Knowledge of NY municipal, zoning, and administrative law
No conflicts of interest
Preferred qualification – Demonstrated experience with renewable energy, climate-related legal matters, and environmental regulatory compliance, including familiarity with New York State renewable energy siting (e.g., ORES), SEQRA, and related municipal impacts.
4. Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include:
Cover letter
Qualifications and resumes
Description of service approach
Fee schedule (retainer, hourly rates, litigation rates)
References
Conflict disclosure
5. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on experience, municipal law expertise, personnel qualifications, service approach, fees, references, and absence of conflicts.
6. Submission Instructions
Proposals Due: January 21st, 2026
Submit electronically and one hard copy to:
Phyllis Dinkelacker, Town Clerk – Town of Athens
Address: 2 First St., Athens, NY 12015
Email: pdinkelacker@townofathensny.gov
Late submissions may not be considered.
7. Term of Engagement
The Town anticipates appointing a Town Attorney for a one-year term beginning upon date of appointment, renewable annually.
8. Rights of the Town
The Town reserves the right to reject any proposal, request more information, conduct interviews, negotiate terms, and accept the proposal most advantageous to the Town.
9. Timeline
RFP Issued: December 17, 2025
Proposals Due: January 21st, 2026
Interviews: February 1st – February 14th, 2026
Selection/Appointment: March 16th, 2026
10. Contact for Questions
All inquiries must be directed to:
Phyllis Dinkelacker, Town Clerk – Town of Athens
Email: pdinkelacker@townofathensny.gov
Phone: 518-945-1052, option 2
