Local Government and Municipal Law

MSBT Law acts as general counsel to numerous Idaho political subdivisions. This role includes providing advice and coordinating with staff in day-to-day operations, analysis of specific legal issues, and long-term planning to minimize legal exposure while meeting the duly adopted policy goals of elected officials.

Small governmental bodies face a unique challenge in hiring legal counsel. They must resolve the same spectrum of challenging legal issues as larger entities, but typically face budget constraints, which limit their ability to recruit and retain “in-house” counsel, experienced in every diverse facet of municipal law. Since we serve a group of political subdivisions MSBT creates an “economy of scale” which allows us to equip and maintain a team of attorneys experienced in all aspects of local government law. In addition to our full-time staff of attorneys and legal assistants, we routinely coordinate with other lawyers and professional consultants, comprising an uninterrupted network of support on local government issues. For many small entities, we offer this blend of talent and experience at a lower cost than a single attorney’s salary. The hallmark of a successful municipal attorney is the ability to quietly get the job done. The members of the MSBT team have spent decades successfully meeting this goal for many Idaho political subdivisions.

Municipal Finance Law

There is a handful of bond counsel licensed to practice in Idaho. During his career Michael C. Moore has facilitated hundreds of closings on issuances involving every conceivable type of permissible public project. MSBT Law has acted as bond counsel on projects large and small, ranging from upgrades to small water systems to the State of Idaho Tax Anticipation Notes. Under Mike’s tutelage and continuing presence, Stephanie Bonney has developed the qualifications and experience to oversee this practice and continue the firm’s longstanding reputation.

Our municipal bond practice reflects knowledge of legal limits and procedural requirements. Our municipal finance clients are interested in reducing risk and completing projects. Our extensive background in Idaho municipal finance law, local government law and day-to-day operations of political subdivisions makes MSBT uniquely qualified to deliver on these goals.