The issues municipal governments and the private entities interacting with them face are unique and complex. Our dedicated team of public sector attorneys can ease the burden and protect your best interests.
At Babst Calland, our track record speaks for itself. For many years, our public sector law group has developed a deep understanding of the diverse municipal codes and zoning regulations that impact both public and private clients, as well as the many nuances associated with land use, labor contracts, economic development and other local issues.
We’re dedicated to helping you identify and meet any challenges that might arise and offer litigation support if necessary.
Whether you need a short-term legal advisor to handle public bidding or contract negotiations, or a trusted partner to help you navigate the day-to-day issues that affect your municipality or corporation, our integrated team is here for you.
Trust us to serve as your solicitor, special counsel or private legal counsel on matters that matter most to you and your municipality. Our team of attorneys are experienced in all aspects of municipal and public sector law.
Navigate the Current Uncertainty on FinCEN Matters
Firm Alert
UPDATE: Babst Calland Stands Ready to Advise All Clients on FinCEN Matters
(by Chris Farmakis, Susanna Bagdasarova, Kate Cooper, and Dane Fennell)
Following up on our May 2024 Alert, Babst Calland would like to remind you of the upcoming January 1, 2025 compliance deadline for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule (the “Rule”). …
Right-To-Know Law Policy Update in the Wake of Anonymous FOIA Buddy Record Requests
The Legal Intelligencer
(by Max Junker and Anna Hosack)
If sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants and electric lights the most efficient policeman, then what is said of the darkness of anonymity? …
Two Babst Calland Attorneys Named as 2025 Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year”, 40 Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, and 17 Named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
Babst Calland is pleased to announce that two lawyers were selected as 2025 Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Charleston, W. …
Legal Experts to Lay Out Recent SCOTUS Decisions’ Impact on Business
The Current (PA Chamber Business Blog)
(by Christina Manfredi McKinley)
On July 31, 2024, the Pennsylvania Chamber will offer a free webinar addressing the effect on the business community of three significant administrative law cases from the Supreme Court’s recently concluded term: Loper Bright, Corner Post, and Ohio v. …
Attorney Morgan Madden Joins Babst Calland
Morgan M. Madden recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Energy and Natural Resources, Public Sector and Employment and Labor groups. Ms. Madden represents traditional and renewable energy industry clients in land use and other local regulatory matters. …
U.S. Supreme Court Issues Three Decisions Charting New Path for Federal Administrative Law
Firm Alert
Chevron is overruled; right to jury trial in many agency enforcement actions is guaranteed; and claim accrual date for Administrative Procedure Act claims are fixed. …
The Devil is in the Details (and the Deemed Approval Deadlines)
The Legal Intelligencer
(by Max Junker and Anna Jewart)
Noted wordsmith Justice Michael Musmanno articulated the rationale for the “deemed approval” concept in Pennsylvania land use law noting: “Without this kind of coercive determination, a Board could effectively prevent the erection of needed structures through the simple process of luxurious lolling while spiders of inattention spin webs of indifference over pending public problems.” To avoid luxurious lolling by local governments, the Legislature included mandatory deadlines in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. …
The Coming Storm, PFAS and the Future of Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities
The Authority
(by Michael Korns and Amanda Brosy)
Municipal authorities and other public entities in Pennsylvania have long been familiar with the weight and burden of DEP and EPA mandates and regulations. …
Public Posting 2.0: High Court Creates Test for When Social Media Posts Are State Action
The Legal Intelligencer
(by Harley Stone, Anna Jewart and Alex Farone)
In August of 2023, we discussed the ongoing trend of recent cases to blur the line between public officials’ “public” and “private” digital communications and social media, focusing primarily on two 2023 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court cases – Penncrest School District v. …
When Standing Won’t Stand – Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules that a Grant of Party Status by a Zoning Hearing Board Does Not Automatically Convey Appellate Rights
The Legal Intelligencer
(by Michael Korns and Anna Hosack)
Last spring, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court addressed the question of who is entitled to standing in matters before a municipal zoning hearing board, and more importantly, who has standing to file an appeal from a board decision. …
