Department profile
Barclay Damon LLP

Public Finance

USA Guide 2026 : New York


Barclay Damon LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Barclay Damon LLP

Attorneys in Barclay Damon LLP’s Public Finance Practice Area serve as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel, placement agent counsel, counsel to large and small banks purchasing tax-exempt bonds, issuer counsel, letter of credit bank counsel, counsel to for-profit and not-for-profit conduit borrowers, and trustee’s counsel for a wide variety of financing structures, including fixed-rate bonds, variable-rate demand bonds, new money bonds, refunding bonds, tax-exempt forward delivery bonds, draw-down bonds, and tax-exempt and taxable bonds.

We currently represent hundreds of public entities, including state and local agencies and authorities, school districts, and municipalities. Our team is particularly experienced in complex multi-borrower and multi-facility financings, having been involved in numerous pooled financings that involve tax review at the pool and individual conduit loan levels, as well as issuances of multiple series of bonds under a single resolution. We have one of the most experienced tax groups with tax attorneys devoted to public finance.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public Finance - New York

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Barclay Damon LLP is highly capable across a wide range of public finance transactions. The team is regularly engaged to act as bond and underwriter's counsel including in education, healthcare and housing sector financings. The firm has additional expertise advising on the tax issues arising from tax-exempt bond financings.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Barclay Damon LLP acted as bond counsel to the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York in the issuance of their School Districts Revenue Bond Financing Program Revenue Bonds, Series 2025.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Barclay Damon are a wealth of knowledge and the combined years of experience of the team make them ready to handle any complex matter comfortably.

    Public Finance respondentUSA
  • Barclay Damon's lawyers are prompt, reliable and experts in their field.

    Public Finance respondentUSA
  • Barclay Damon approach challenges with creativity, while balancing technical legal knowledge with client-focused solutions.

    Public Finance respondentUSA
  • The lawyers at Barclay Damon have always provided stellar service and responsiveness.

    Public Finance respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Melissa Bennett
    Band 1Melissa Bennett

    Melissa Bennett

    Melissa Bennett co-chairs Barclay Damon's public finance practice from the firm's New York office. She is regularly sought out by municipal authorities to act as bond counsel on issuances to help finance projects in a variety of sectors.

    • Melissa is focused, thorough and has navigated challenges with my team with a level of calm and leadership that I admire greatly. It's always a pleasure to work with her.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Melissa Bennett stands out for her sharp legal insight and diligence handling complex issues. She brings clarity and confidence to every matter.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Melissa is an extremely dedicated and experienced professional who consistently provides top-tier client service.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Melissa is a valuable member of any deal team she's working with.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
  • Band 1Sharon Brown
    Band 1Sharon Brown

    Sharon Brown

    Sharon Brown co-chairs Barclay Damon's public finance and is noted for her strength in the tax structuring aspects of municipal financings. She is experienced across developments in a range of sectors primarily acting for issuers.

    • Sharon is very thoughtful and tries to make things work, going above and beyond for the client.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Sharon is an exceptionally dedicated professional who consistently delivers top-tier client service. Her expertise, reliability and responsiveness make her an invaluable resource.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Sharon is knowledgeable, very responsive and detail-oriented. Her forward-looking approach ensures that nothing is overlooked.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Sharon is very proactive in making clients feel protected.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
  • Band 2Connie Cahill
    Band 2Connie Cahill

    Connie Cahill

    Connie Cahill is the managing partner of Barclay Damon and has over three decades' experience in public finance matters. Her practice frequently sees her assist municipal entities in bond issuance.

    • Connie Cahill stands out for her commercial awareness and practical advice. She consistently balances legal precision with business realities.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Connie provides excellent service and fantastic communication skills. She is a top-notch lawyer.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • She has a wealth of knowledge she is always willing to share.

      Public Finance respondentUSA
    • Connie brings unparalleled knowledge and expertise when serving as bond counsel.

      Public Finance respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Barclay Damon LLP (3)

New York

Members

Provided by Barclay Damon LLP

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