Spilman’s Local Government and Public Entity team offers decades of experience serving cities, counties, towns, economic development and public service authorities, housing authorities, public utilities, school divisions or districts, and political subdivisions, among other public entities. This experience includes a wide range of legal services:

• General Governance: Serving as general counsel for a variety of local governments and public entities, including service as City, County and Town Attorneys for numerous jurisdictions within the Spilman footprint. Attending governing body meetings as general counsel, advising on parliamentary procedure, and drafting and reviewing various legal documents, such as contracts, ordinances, orders, resolutions, and other legal instruments. Advising clients on compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including federal grant, public procurement, Freedom of Information Act, sunshine laws, and Conflict of Interests Act compliance.
• Economic Development: Working with state and local leaders on projects to bring investment, industry, and new and expanded employment opportunities to communities. Negotiating and preparing performance agreements and complex real estate transactions, and advising on various tax or other financial incentives that may induce project developers to invest in communities. Assisting with redevelopment projects, such as brownfields areas and Community Development Block Grants.
• Land Use, Zoning, and Real Estate: Assisting clients with drafting and enforcing land use and zoning regulations, including comprehensive plans, zoning and subdivision ordinances, and stormwater, erosion and sediment control, and Building Code permitting. Consulting with zoning professionals on a variety of zoning issues, such as permitting, variances, and appeals. Representing clients in land use and zoning litigation. Assisting local governments and public entities in acquiring and disposing of real estate, including negotiation of franchises and eminent domain proceedings. Preparing and reviewing leases, easements, and deeds on behalf of clients.
• Public Finance: Assisting clients with public finance transactions, bond issuances, tax-exempt financing, public-private partnerships (P3s), and compliance with regulatory requirements for public financing projects. Advising local governments on compliance with the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Assisting clients in procuring design professionals and general contractors to assist with capital and infrastructure projects. Assisting clients in establishing Tax Increment Financing, Community Enhancement Districts, and Community Development Authorities.
• Capital Projects and Public Utilities: Assisting public entities with infrastructure projects including traditional water, sewer, stormwater, roads, and municipal electrical systems, and other projects, such as expanding broadband service and development issues involving renewable energy projects.
• Employment Law: Advising on personnel issues, HR policies, workplace safety regulations, employee training programs, employment contracts, discrimination claims, wage and hour matters, employee benefits, and compliance with state and federal employment laws. Conducting thorough workplace investigations, providing training seminars on legal compliance, ethics, and best practices for employers. Defending local governments and public entities against federal and state law employment claims.
• School Law: Coordinating with our colleagues in the Education Law Practice Group to advise school divisions or districts and other educational organizations on compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations. Handling student conduct and discipline issues and teacher grievances.
• Civil Litigation and Appeals: Representing clients in complex civil litigation, appeals, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings across various legal matters.

Spilman attorneys in our Local Government and Public Entity Practice Group also engage in or serve in leadership positions within organizations focused on our particular areas of practice, including the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. (LGA), the National Association of Bond Lawyers (NABL), and the Virginia Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (VATOA). In addition, our team includes attorneys who have served on county commissions, public service commissions, school boards, economic development authorities, and other public entities.

Our commitment to excellence, personalized approach, and membership in targeted professional organizations reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional legal services and strategic solutions that meet the unique needs of our public sector clients.

For more information regarding our local government and public entity practice, contact:

 

 

 

 

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