Hudson County Office of the County Counsel - Jersey City, NJ

Legal Representative for Hudson County

The Hudson County Office of the County Counsel, commonly referred to as the Law Department, serves as the chief legal advisor to the county government. Located within the Hudson County Administration Building at 567 Pavonia Avenue, this department is responsible for managing all civil legal affairs for the County Executive, the Board of County Commissioners, and the various county departments and agencies. The office ensures that all county operations are conducted within the bounds of federal, state, and local laws. It is important for the public to understand that the County Counsel represents the municipal corporation of Hudson County and its officials; it does not provide legal advice to private citizens nor does it represent individuals in criminal or private civil matters.

Core Legal Functions

The attorneys and staff within the Law Department handle a diverse range of legal responsibilities that are essential for the smooth operation of the county. Their primary duties include:

• Litigation Defense: Defending the county in civil lawsuits, including tort claims, employment disputes, and civil rights actions filed in state and federal courts.
• Legislative Services: Drafting and reviewing all county ordinances, resolutions, and executive orders before they are presented to the Board of Commissioners for a vote.
• Contract Review: Evaluating and approving all contracts for goods, services, public works, and real estate transactions to safeguard public funds and ensure legal compliance.

Administrative Support

In addition to litigation and contracts, the Office of the County Counsel advises county officials on complex regulatory matters, including employment law, land use, and financial regulations. The department works closely with the Office of the County Adjuster and the Division of Purchasing to maintain transparency and efficiency in government processes. Residents typically interact with this office when filing Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests or when involved in legal proceedings against the county.

Location and Hours

The office is situated in the heart of the Journal Square district, making it easily accessible via the PATH train and NJ Transit bus lines. The Hudson County Administration Building is a secure facility; visitors may be subject to security screening upon entry. The Law Department operates during standard county business hours, Monday through Friday.