GLANKLER BROWN HAS A LONG AND SUCCESSFUL HISTORY IN REPRESENTING MUNICIPALITIES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. THE DEPTH OF OUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES ATTORNEYS WHO HAVE SERVED THE NEEDS OF MUNICIPALITIES AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.

Because of our work with governmental entities, we are familiar with many federal, state and local laws affecting businesses and individuals. Our broad experience in these areas has made us extremely adept in advising management, boards, commissions and legislative bodies with regard to existing law and the impact of proposed policy or legislative changes.

One of the members of our practice group, attorney Robert D. Meyers, was named Best Lawyers in America Municipal Lawyer of the Year in 2014 (Memphis). In addition, attorney Richard Myers serves as City Attorney to Oakland, Tennessee and has served as City Attorney to Gallaway, Tennessee (2009-2013). He also serves as Special Counsel to the City of Covington and Outside Counsel to the City of Memphis.

Our legal work on behalf of municipalities and other governmental entities includes:

• Contract negotiation drafting and review;
• Negotiation and review of procurement agreements and procedures;
• Collections/Bankruptcy matters;
• Real estate contracts and transfers of real estate;
• Development of procedural manuals to address the impact of the Internet and e-mail;
• Privacy and property right issues associated with employees in the public sector;
• Advising boards, commissions and legislative bodies with regard to changes in the law and the impact of proposed policy changes;
• Environmental compliance and environmental enforcement issues; and
• Representation in litigation matters involving
  • annexation,
  • breach of contract,
  • civil rights,
  • discrimination (age, sex and race),
  • environmental matters,
  • public records disclosure,
  • construction-related claims,
  • personal injury / governmental tort liability
  • workers’ compensation, and
  • pension and civil service benefits.

Additionally, our attorneys have extensive experience in representing governmental issuers and conduit borrowers in all phases of tax-exempt bonds and in connection with PILOTs (payment-in-lieu of tax incentives), including serving as borrower’s counsel.

Glankler Brown attorneys have appeared before all local boards with PILOT and revenue bond authority, including Memphis & Shelby County Industrial Development Board, Memphis Center City Revenue Finance Corporation, The Health, Educational and Housing Facilities Board of the City of Memphis, Tennessee, The Health, Educational and Housing Facilities Board of Shelby, Tennessee, and similar boards in other counties and states.

Attorneys in our firm also have experience in addressing subdivision, zoning, and other government land use issues, obtaining sales tax exemptions related to PILOTs, reduced rates with local electric companies for high users and related jobs credits.

Hunter Humphreys and B. Douglas Earthman represented the City of Memphis on the $100,000,000+ renovation of the Pyramid Arena and adjacent 40 acres on the Memphis downtown riverfront, and other major redevelopment projects.

Additionally, the firm has represented the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, one of the largest cargo airports in the world, for more than 25 years. Memphis International Airport is the economic engine for the Mid-South, generating an annual economic impact of more than $20 billion per year.