PRACTICE AREAS
PUBLIC FINANCE
Our Firm has broad experience and expertise in the area municipal finance, and our pedigree of work in the public finance area surpasses most law firms in this region. We have advised our clients on all aspects of tax-exempt and taxable financings, and have worked with regional and national banks and underwriters in our public finance practice. Our Firm's experience relevant experience in this area includes:
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Serving as Bond Counsel for general obligation bond issues for various municipal capital improvement projects;
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Serving as Bond Counsel and/or Disclosure Counsel and Underwriters’’ Counsel on utilities financings;
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Serving as Bond Counsel and/or Disclosure Counsel and Underwriters’ Counsel on airport financings;
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Serving as Issuer's Counsel and Bond Counsel on multifamily housing financings;
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Serving as Underwriters’ Counsel and Disclosure Counsel on financing involving the pre-purchase of electricity and natural gas and many other revenue based bond transactions;
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Advising clients as to the various laws relating to public finance;
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Advising clients on financing structures; and
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Serving as Underwriter's Counsel and Disclosure Counsel on the financing and refinancing of the FedExForum, home to the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, AutoZone Park, home to the Memphis Redbirds, Nissan Stadium—home to the NFL Tennessee Titans and other sports stadium/arena revenue based bond transactions.
A few historic public bond financings our Firm participated in are:
In 2021, the City of Memphis, Tennessee (the "City") began its Accelerate Memphis Project, a historic, first-of-its-kind initiative and is the first labeled municipal “Social Bond” financing in the State of Tennessee. The City is investing approximately $200 million in community projects intended to improve quality of life, promote equity and inclusion, improve connectivity and solve perennial problems within the City with the ultimate goal of accelerating the City's growth. The City’s Accelerate Memphis Project is a historic and first-of-its-kind initiative. Through Accelerate Memphis:
CORPORATE LAW
Since our inception, we have worked with non-profit and business corporations and their governing boards. Our Firm has served as special counsel to the City of Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee and other municipalities on various redevelopment projects focused on affordable multifamily housing, solid waste, recycling, airport noise study and master plan update. We represent and counsel clients in establishing, structuring, and ensuring legal compliance for all types of legal entities, such as governmental and quasi-governmental entities, business corporations, non-profit corporations, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporations, subchapter S corporations, limited liability companies and related business organizations, including partnerships and joint venture structures. We also focus on development and execution of all types of business contracts, review and negotiation of all aspects of business development, governance and growth, as well as, minority and women business enterprises participation issues.
M/WBE EXPERIENCE
Our Firm has a long history of establishing, representing and counseling minority and women business enterprises (“M/WBE”) beginning in 1978 with our representation as General Counsel to the Tennessee Valley Center for Minority Economic Development, Inc. Since that time, our Firm has successfully advocated on behalf of M/WBE firms in the public, quasi-public and private sectors. We are certified as a minority business enterprise and disadvantaged business enterprise by the Uniform Certification Agency and the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program, respectively; and as a Small, Minority and Women Business Enterprise by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.
HEALTHCARE LAW
Our Firm has broad experience in the healthcare and behavioral care industry, having served as General Counsel and advised managed care organizations (MCOs), behavioral health organizations (BHOs), primary care and home health care facilities, in addition to individual physicians, dentists, and other health care professionals.
ENTERTAINMENT LAW
Our Firm has worked successfully in the area of sports and entertainment. We have represented NFL players, World Champion boxers and kick boxers, and international boxing promoters; as well as music artists, recording, production, and publishing companies. We also advise individuals on copyrights, publishing and merchandising businesses.