Governmental Law
The ever-increasing complexities of the operations of local, state and federal governmental entities gave rise to the vast growth of our governmental law practice area. Bailey & Dixon attorneys advise and represent governmental entities of various types, including municipalities, counties, school districts, water and utility districts, hospital districts, airports, among others. We also represent private clients of the firm in a myriad of legislative and regulatory legal matters at the local, state and federal levels.
Government Affairs
Bailey & Dixon attorneys understand that close communication with government policymakers is essential to helping our clients make informed decisions affecting their interests, business and otherwise. We understand that providing products and services to federal, state and local government customers is a complex business.
Our lawyers represent clients before the legislative and executive branches of government in North Carolina. We are involved at every point in the key governmental endeavors of our State, drafting bills and amendments, monitoring legislation, or lobbying for enactment, amendment or defeat of legislation already in the NC General Assembly. We also:
- Draft and present position papers;
- Monitor proposed regulatory or legislative changes that affect our clients' businesses;
- Offer counsel in administrative and legislative hearings;
- Offer counsel in rulemaking and regulatory proceedings;
- Prepare witnesses for executive or legislative hearings; and
- Provide counsel in political, election, and campaign law.
Local Government
Bailey & Dixon, LLP represents a number of municipalities and has served as special counsel to numerous cities, towns and counties across North Carolina. The firm's local government practice is comprised of seasoned attorneys with many years combined experience in advising and counseling local governments. We have experience in every aspect of municipal law, from land use, environmental and utility matters to public contracts, open meetings, employment, police and civil rights issues.
Lobbying and Legislative Affairs
Regardless of whether you are a city or a county, a business or some type of organization or association, at some point you are going to have the need to be involved in the State government and legislative process. Knowing and understanding how State government works and how the legislative process transpires is important to ensure that your goals are fulfilled, and your interests and voice are heard. A number of attorneys with Bailey & Dixon, LLP have worked in government or served in elective office and understand how the process works. We know our way around State government and can use that knowledge to assist you. Our lobbying clients have included municipalities, businesses, law enforcement organizations, trade associations, an association of financial managers and many others. let our knowledge and experience work for you.
Municipal Law
Bailey & Dixon attorneys perform a variety of services for clients in all aspects of municipal law. In addition to assisting firms and individuals in their dealings with municipal authorities, we also act as general counsel for municipalities and have extensive experience with the complex and volatile array of legal issues that arise in this field.
Our practice in this area includes:
- General Counsel to Municipalities providing general advice in all areas of law
- Insurance Claims (defense against municipalities)
- Draft bylaws for use by municipalities
- Development-related applications such as licensing, permitting and related matters
- Appearance at hearings before municipal councils and boards.
Petroleum Marketing Law
We strive to provide a complete array of legal services to our petroleum distributors, marketers, convenience store and service station clients selling branded and unbranded petroleum products. We regularly assist our petroleum marketing clients in preparing fuel supply agreements, negotiating leases, and obtaining financing.
Additionally, we have a vast array of experience representing our clients in acquisitions and divestitures, including drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, sale and leaseback arrangements, national franchise co-tenant agreements and leases.
Our lawyers also advise individuals, corporations, partnerships and family businesses on structuring their transactions to minimize tax liability, while taking full advantage of tax benefits available to the petroleum industry.
Our petroleum practice works closely with our litigation section to quickly and efficiently handle almost any type of dispute that may arise in connection with petroleum marketing, service and distribution operations particularly under the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (“PMPA”) and state franchise statutes.
Our breadth and depth of experience in administrative and governmental law is indispensable when dealing with the many state and federal agencies regulating our petroleum clients’ day-to-day business affairs.
Public Utilities
Bailey & Dixon attorneys are noted experts in North Carolina public utilities law. Our founder was a former Chairman of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, before which our lawyers frequently appear representing a range of clients. Among our areas of particular expertise are:
- Telecommunications Regulation;
- Electric and Gas Regulation;
- Water and Sewer Regulation;
- Transportation Regulation;
- Proceedings before the North Carolina Utilities Commission;
- Telecommunications Litigation;
- Contracts and disputes between telecommunications providers; and
- Civil Investigations of Public Utilities by the North Carolina Attorney General.
