BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM -- The village of Potsdam is seeking a new legal firm to represent the municipality and advise on various matters. 

According to Village Administrator Isabelle Gates-Shult, the search is part of the village's regular review of its professional service arrangements. 

"The Village of Potsdam has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for municipal legal services as part of its regular review of professional services. As with other areas of operation, it is important to periodically review these arrangements to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the municipality and the community," Gates-Shult told North Country This Week. 

"The RFQ will allow the Village to evaluate the level of support, responsiveness, and expertise provided through its legal representation, along with the scope of work and associated costs. The goal is to ensure the Village continues to receive quality legal representation that meets its needs and expectations," the administrator said. 

Qualified firms or attorneys "will provide general counsel to the Mayor, Board of Trustees, Administrator, Clerk, Chief of Police, and other authorized Village officials," said Potsdam Village Clerk Georgine Scott in an advertisement placed with North Country This Week. 

"The Village is interested in attorneys or law firms with: significant NYS municipal law experience; experience representing villages and/or similarly situated local governments; strong knowledge of the NYS Village Law. General Municipal Law, Municipal Home Rule Law, Public Officers Law, SEQRA, and related municipal statutes; experience with land use, development, public contracting, infrastructure, and municipal projects; experience working with state and federal agencies on grant programs; strong communication and problem solving skills; and a demonstrated commitment to responsive, practical client service. The Village is seeking counsel who will actively seek solutions to the legal challenges facing the Village," the legal ad from the village states. 

Those firms or attorneys interested in providing the service can submit a full statement of qualifications to Scott, at gscott@villageofpotsdamny.gov with the subject listed as "Village Attorney RFQ." 

The full Request for Qualifications can be read on the village website at https://villageofpotsdamny.gov/category/news/. 

For more information, contact Aviva Gold, Project Manager, agold@villageofpotsdamny.gov, 315-265-1670.