The primary focus is on service to governmental clients. Examples include acting as bond counsel in connection with municipal financings and representing governmental units in litigation, legislative matters, specialized legal services (such as drafting tax ordinances or environmental consulting regarding landfills and hazardous waste sites), and as general legal counsel. In addition, we focus on areas in which the client may not be a governmental unit, but that involve in a significant way a governmental unit or aspects of state or local government law. Examples include acting as underwriters' counsel in connection with a municipal bond issue and representing a bank as issuer of a letter of credit in connection with a municipal bond transaction.
Municipal Activities
In addition to serving as general counsel to municipalities, we provide specialized legal services to governmental units regarding labor and employment law, deferred compensation, taxation, urban renewal projects, land acquisition and development, land use regulation, public bidding and contracts, waste disposal, litigation defense and other legal matters. The firm renders advice on and drafts statutes, ordinances and regulations. We assist in the formation and organization of special districts and other types of municipal organizations.
Litigation
The various litigation matters we handle for state and local governments include condemnation cases, construction contracts, land use, shoreline and environmental regulation tort defense, and appellate proceedings.
Bond Counsel
We serve as bond counsel in connection with the issuance of bonds and other obligations by state and local governments, with responsibility for rendering opinions as to the validity of the bonds and the exemption of the interest on the bonds from federal income taxation. We have acted as bond counsel in connection with all of the various types of bonds and other obligations issued by state and local governments, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, certificates of participation in lease purchase agreements, special assessment bonds, and tax and revenue anticipation notes.
Underwriters' Counsel
Our lawyers act as counsel to underwriters in municipal bond transactions, and we advise underwriters on numerous other transactions. Underwriters' counsel reviews documents prepared by bond counsel and provides full and fair disclosure of all information regarding the proposed issuance. Underwriters' counsel also secures compliance with applicable regulations and state and federal securities law and statutes governing the activities of underwriters.
Legislative Matters
We represent governmental units before state legislatures and Congress with respect to legislation sought by or affecting the interests of the governmental client. Our services include the drafting of proposed legislation, meeting with legislators and staff to explain our clients' needs and relate pertinent information, and testifying before legislative committees.