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.
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. …
Public Advertising Cheat Sheet: A Local Government Guide to Mandatory Advertising and Posting Requirements
Legal Intelligencer
(by Steve Korbel, Anna Jewart and Anna Hosack)
Last week, thousands of newly elected public officials took office across Pennsylvania and began their duties. …
Section 201 Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation — Emerging Tech Law Series
PodcastDecember 31, 2023 is the deadline for submission of the inaugural Section 201 Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury. …
Divided Commonwealth Court Holds Local Agencies are Prohibited from Adding Non-Emergency and Non-De Minimis Agenda Items to the Posted Agenda
Public Sector Alert
(By Max Junker and Anna Jewart)
On June 30, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 554 into law as Act 65 of 2021 which amended the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, 65 Pa.C.S. …
Babst Calland Ranked in 2024 Best Law Firms®
Babst Calland has been recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers®, nationally in 8 practice areas and regionally in 31 practice areas:
- National Tier 1
- Environmental Law
- Litigation –
A Municipality’s Struggle to Remove Resident’s Junk Vehicles: How to Avoid a Quarter Century Fight Over Blight
Legal Intelligencer
(by Blaine Lucas and Anna Hosack)
A frequent, if folksy, recitation of the purpose behind zoning and land use restrictions is to prevent problems caused by the “pig in the parlor instead of the barnyard.” In other words zoning regulations recognize sometimes a nuisance can be caused by putting the right thing in the wrong place. …
Avoiding the Call –a Proactive Approach to Land Use and Zoning
Developing Pittsburgh
(By Michael Korns)
It is a tough market for developers, with both supply chain issues and inflation limiting your options. …
Public-Posting: Penncrest, Boyer, and the Release of Social-Media Under the RTKL
Legal Intelligencer
(by Harley Stone and Anna Jewart)
Have Facebook and TikTok become the new forum for conducting political debates by public officials? …
Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Understanding How Original Jurisdiction in ACRE Cases Impacts Your Municipality
Legal Intelligencer
(By Michael Korns and Anna Hosack)
Municipalities in Pennsylvania are “creatures of the state,” and thus, have only those powers that have been granted to them by the Commonwealth. …
Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act – Amendments Effective Today
Public Sector Alert
(by Alyssa Golfieri, Anna Hosack and Anna Jewart)
Effective today, municipalities and law enforcement agencies must process record requests seeking criminal history information submitted under Act 134. …