State and Local Government

State and Local Government

State and Local Government
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Overview

State and local governments play a large and crucial role in our nation’s economy. Fittingly, state and local government law has been an integral part of our firm’s practice for many decades. We provide comprehensive legal services to governmental entities as well as to organizations and companies that do business with them, with practice areas ranging from finance to counseling, compliance and litigation. This breadth of experience gives us the broadest possible perspective when representing our clients’ interests.

Public Finance

Our public finance practice is experienced in every aspect of the field, from the issuance of debt to maturity or pre- and post-default. Our services extend to:

  • General Obligation Bonds
  • Enterprise and Utility Revenue Bonds
  • Installment Purchase Contracts and Leasing Transactions, including certificates of participation
  • Cash Flow Borrowings
  • Single and Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds
  • Healthcare, Educational and Cultural Facility Financing
  • Industrial Development, Pollution Control and Other Conduit Financing
  • Tax Increment and Special Service Area/District Financing
  • Special Purpose Financing, including public-private partnerships and project financings
  • Workout and Restructuring Transactions, including bankruptcy and related litigation
  • Ancillary Services, including bond tax audits and securities law compliance

Litigation

Representing government in litigation requires specialized knowledge and a delicate approach. Our experienced litigators have the acumen to achieve results in cases involving:

  • Finance
  • Construction Law
  • Civil Rights, Employment and Union Relationships
  • Land Use
  • Construction Disputes
  • Procurement Challenges
  • Housing Challenges
  • Internal and Government Investigations

Legislation

From developing and executing strategic planning, to analyzing and drafting legislation, we are adept at handling cases concerning the legislative process for clients in both the public and private sectors. Our clients have included:

  • State and Local Governments
  • Financial Institutions
  • Telecommunications Companies
  • Hospitals
  • Public Utilities
  • Professional and College Sports Teams

Municipal Insolvency and Distressed Public Debt

We provide pragmatic advice and strategic planning for any client involved in a distressed municipal bond transaction. Our bankruptcy and public finance attorneys work closely to develop innovative strategies for each municipal transaction.

We represent indenture trustees, institutional debt holders, hedge funds, and secured lenders in out-of-court workouts and municipal insolvency proceedings. Most recently, our restructuring team represented a significant certificate holder in Detroit’s insolvency proceeding. We represent clients in virtually all industry sectors of municipal investment, particularly:

  • health care
  • infrastructure
  • hotels
  • manufacturing
  • education
  • housing

We have acted as lead counsel for the Dormitory Authority for the State of New York (DASNY) in connection with the bankruptcies of the Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester, NY, the Mount Vernon Hospital, and affiliates thereof. We represented the Authority in the bankruptcy of the TLC Health Network which includes the Lake Shore Hospital and affiliates. Those matters had real estate dimensions. The firm also has provided DASNY with more general creditor rights advice in the context of loans from the Distressed Hospital Loan Pool and Section 2850 of the Public Health Law. In late December, 2014 we provided DASNY with comprehensive model loan documents and advice intended to maximize the Authority’s rights as a lender/creditor to distressed health care facilities.

Related Industries

  • Experience

    We have provided strategic, high-level counseling to clients in many notable transactions, including:

    • Counsel to Not-for-Profits: We represent some of the nation’s leading not-for-profit institutions regarding their financing needs, including The University of Chicago, Northwestern University and the Museum of Science and Industry.
    • Governmental Financings: We routinely act as bond counsel for the City of Chicago, the City of San Francisco, the State of California and the State of Illinois, as well as their respective agencies and departments. Additionally, we represent a number of units in local government in California, Illinois, Georgia and New York.
    • Governmental Operations, Transactional and Development Activities: We have represented governments at all levels, acting as outside general and special counsel in a variety of matters, including:
    • Freedom of Information
    • Open Meetings
    • Election Law
    • Procurement Issues
    • Construction Law
    • Conflicts
    • Budgeting and Appropriation
    • Intergovernmental Cooperation
    • Formation of Special Taxing Districts and Special Purpose Entities
    • Development Agreements and Public-Private Partnerships
    • Internal and Government Investigations

  • Professionals

  • Insights

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    News Release

    Schiff Hardin Named “Innovation Builder” by BTI

    Schiff Hardin LLP has been singled out by corporate counsel as one of only 28 percent of law firms clients view as a BTI “Innovation Builder,” which recognizes firms that bring change to the legal market through new technology, services, strategies, or structures.

    News Release

    Fifty-Six Schiff Hardin LLP Attorneys in Thirty-Eight Practice Areas Named to the Best Lawyers in America - 2013

    News Release

    Fifty-One Schiff Hardin LLP Attorneys Named 2012 Illinois Super Lawyers‚ and Fifteen Schiff Hardin LLP Lawyers Named Illinois Rising Stars in Chicago Magazine

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Schiff Hardin LLP is a general practice law firm representing clients across the United States and around the world. We have offices located in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Lake Forest, New York, Newport Beach, San Francisco, and Washington. Our attorneys are strong advocates and trusted advisers — roles that contribute to many lasting client relationships.

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