Local Government Practice Group
We are proud to serve as trusted counsel to cities, towns, counties, villages, special districts, and other local government entities. Our Local Government Practice Group provides comprehensive, strategic, and practical legal services tailored to the unique challenges and responsibilities of public sector governance. We understand that local governments are on the front lines of delivering essential services and managing community needs, and we are committed to helping them operate effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with the law.
We proudly represent a wide variety of public sector clients, including:
Comprehensive Legal Services for Local Governments
With decades of experience advising public entities of all sizes, our attorneys offer a full spectrum of legal services that address the day-to-day governance and operational needs of local governments, as well as their most complex transactions and disputes. We understand that public officials face increasing demands from constituents, regulatory agencies, and economic pressures, and we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate this evolving landscape with confidence and clarity.
Our attorneys serve as general counsel or special counsel to local governments, advising elected officials, administrators, and department heads on the full range of legal issues that arise in daily operations, including:
Areas of Focus:
Municipal Finance and Economic Development
We advise local governments on public finance, economic development, and funding strategies to meet infrastructure and community development goals, including:
- Bond counsel and public finance law for general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and special assessment financing
- Tax increment financing (TIF) and community redevelopment areas (CRAs)
- Public-private partnerships (P3s) for infrastructure, affordable housing, and economic development projects
- Impact fees, development fees, and utility rate studies
- Grant funding and state/federal funding compliance
- Economic incentive programs and negotiations with developers and businesses
Land Use, Zoning, and Development
Local governments must balance growth and development with community needs and environmental protection. Our land use attorneys assist with:
- Comprehensive planning and zoning ordinance drafting
- Subdivision and site plan review processes
- Development agreements and annexation agreements
- Conditional use permits, variances, and rezoning
- Historic preservation and environmental review
- Affordable housing and inclusionary zoning policies
- Defense of zoning and land use decisions in administrative and judicial forums
Labor, Employment, and Collective Bargaining
Managing a public workforce presents unique challenges. Our firm offers comprehensive labor and employment counsel to local governments, including:
- Employment policies, handbooks, and collective bargaining agreements
- Labor negotiations with unions and public employee associations
- Disciplinary and grievance proceedings
- Wage and hour compliance, including FLSA and state-specific laws
- Defense against wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims
- Workplace safety, OSHA, and public safety employee issues
- Pension, retirement, and employee benefits matters
Public Infrastructure and Utilities
Local governments are responsible for critical infrastructure. We advise on:
- Water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities — formation, governance, regulation, and rate-setting
- Public works projects, including streets, bridges, and facilities
- Utility franchises and service agreements
- Solid waste and recycling services contracts
- Energy, broadband, and telecommunications infrastructure
- Flood control, drainage, and environmental management projects
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Local governments face increasing environmental responsibilities. Our attorneys provide guidance on:
- Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and stormwater (MS4) compliance
- Wetlands, endangered species, and critical habitat issues
- Air quality and solid/hazardous waste regulations
- Brownfields and site remediation projects
- Climate action planning and sustainability initiatives
- Coastal management and floodplain regulations
Public Safety and Emergency Services
We support police, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies with:
- Public safety operations and liability issues
- Law enforcement and correctional facility compliance
- Mutual aid and emergency response agreements
- Emergency management and disaster recovery planning
- Civil rights and use-of-force litigation defense
- Public health mandates and emergency orders
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
When litigation arises, our firm has extensive experience representing local governments in courts and administrative forums. Our litigation team handles:
- Land use and zoning challenges
- Civil rights and constitutional claims (e.g., First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, due process)
- Employment and labor disputes
- Public contract and construction disputes
- Tort and liability defense, including governmental immunity issues
- Eminent domain and inverse condemnation actions
- Tax disputes and special assessments challenges
- Utility and ratepayer disputes
Legislative and Policy Counsel
We also assist local governments with legislative drafting, lobbying, and policy development, including:
- Drafting ordinances, resolutions, and regulatory frameworks
- Advising on governance structures and home rule authority
- Intergovernmental relations and collaboration on regional issues
- Advocacy before state legislatures and regulatory agencies
Why Choose Firm Counsel 365?
We are deeply committed to public service and supporting the mission of local government. Our attorneys bring a unique blend of legal expertise and practical experience working directly with public officials, boards, and administrators. We understand the legal, political, and operational pressures that local governments face and pride ourselves on delivering timely, cost-effective, and results-oriented counsel.
Whether you need ongoing general counsel services, assistance with a complex development or finance project, or representation in litigation, Counsel 365 is here to serve as a trusted partner and advocate for your community.