Nationally Recognized Bond Counsel
In our public finance practice, we focus on advising public entities, underwriters, banks and credit providers in bond offerings and direct placements. Our attorneys have served as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, or underwriter’s counsel on hundreds of public finance transactions totaling several billion dollars. We regularly serve as bond or disclosure counsel to large universities and rural special purpose districts, and all manner and variety of clients in between. We also frequently serve as underwriter’s counsel for national and regional investment banks, and bank counsel in direct placements and credit facilities.
We collaborate with our clients and other financial professionals to structure financings for important public projects and facilitate their access to the tax-exempt bond market. We also assist in drafting agreements, establishing improvement and taxing districts, identifying and creating revenue sources, and advising our clients regarding the legal limits imposed on their governmental powers.
Each of our bond attorneys is currently listed in The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Market Place, also known as the “Red Book,” as sole bond counsel, the highest classification for nationally recognized bond counsel.
Well Versed in Governmental Matters
Pope Flynn regularly provides advice and counsel on a broad array of governmental matters as varied as economic development incentives, public-private partnerships, impact fees, utility contracts, and procurement matters. Our attorneys frequently serve as general or local counsel to South Carolina counties, municipalities, and special purpose districts, advising on day-to-day issues as well as providing the experience and depth necessary to handle more complex matters. We also help our utility clients provide efficient, reasonably priced utility service through assistance with rates and rate regulation, sales and acquisition of water and sewer systems, adopting and administering impact fees, negotiating wholesale and industrial contracts, and establishing joint ventures.
Dispute Resolution
In those instances where either public or private projects require dispute resolution, we have extensive experience in resolving disputes amicably and through litigation.
Strategic Focus
The majority of Pope Flynn’s clients are governmental entities or public utilities—a purpose-driven result that significantly reduces the private sector and litigation conflicts of interest governmental clients can encounter at larger, less focused firms.
Together, the experience of our attorneys spans over 100 years of practice in public finance and governmental law in a multitude of roles and contexts.
The firm’s Columbia office is located in the South Carolina Municipal Association Building two blocks from the State Capitol complex. Our Upstate office is conveniently located in downtown Spartanburg, and our Charleston office is located on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. The firm’s Charlotte office is located on the square at the corner of Trade and Tryon, in the heart of the financial district. From our four offices in the Carolinas, the firm is able to serve clients efficiently regardless of location.
Inquiries and requests for further information may be directed to the attention of the firm’s managing member, Joe Lucas.