Biography
Chris concentrates his practice in public finance and has done so since his graduation from law school to what is now a 44-year career devoted to municipal bonds. His clients comprise an extensive range of state and local governments, non-profit institutions and private corporations that qualify for tax-exempt financing, together with investment, commercial and trustee banks. In addition to the traditional lead role of bond counsel, he has served as underwriter's, trustee's and special tax counsel on thousands of transactions involving billions of dollars of tax-exempt municipal debt in several states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Delaware and New York. Those transactions cover a broad spectrum from classic, fixed rate, general obligation bonds financing traditional governmental projects to creative, variable rate, special revenue debt financing private economic development projects. In addition, these transactions include a number of "firsts" - for off balance sheet dormitories, for intermediate unit office buildings and for refundings of expired assets.
Chris worked for periods of time during his career as his firm's chief Section 103 tax attorney and an investment banker. This experience enables him to bring practical business insight to the legal counsel he provides.
Education
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., 1979)
- University of Pittsburgh (B.A., summa cum laude, 1976)
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
Affiliations/Memberships
- National Association of Bond Lawyers
- Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers
- Allegheny County Bar Association, Municipal and School Solicitors Section
- Pennsylvania School Boards Association
- Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials
- County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania
- Mt. Lebanon School District Local Tax Study Commission, chairman
Distinctions
- Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers©
- Public Finance Law (2022-2024)