Our attorneys can get pretty obsessed about municipal issues. We’re extraordinarily responsive. We call you back, keep you informed, and treat you with courtesy and respect. Our Municipal and Governmental Entity team has particular experience representing local governments and agencies from Murphy to Manteo on a variety of issues, including public officials, law enforcement, Section 1983, employment law claims, school board issues, workers’ compensation claims, coverage issues, and general and premises liability claims. We keep a close eye on recent developments in governmental immunity cases coming down through the appellate courts and have been instrumental in litigating important cases that have clarified the case law for governmental immunity in North Carolina. Our statewide footprint allows us to service the entire state of North Carolina and all of its counties, cities and municipalities efficiently and effectively.
Lending advice and assistance to local governments and their agencies as they continue to utilize cutting edge technology in the matters of government and law enforcement. To learn more, visit our Cyber Liability and Drone Law page.
Assisting with the development of employment practices and providing legal support and defense when local governments and their agencies are faced with an employment lawsuit. Our services include the provision of real time advice through an established Employment Hotline geared toward avoiding risk on the front end. Visit our Employment Law page for more information.
Assisting local government and their agencies to identify and procure adequate protection when faced with a prospective loss. Visit our Insurance Coverage Services page for more information.
Representation of law enforcement in claims ranging from auto accidents and emergency response to use of force and claims of constitutional violations.
Partnering directly with local government and their agencies when faced with allegations ranging from breach of contract to constitutional violations.
Our team partners with counties across the state to defend property tax appeals, primarily in regards to the appraisal of real property. Any taxpayer in the county can appeal a valuation of property. When informal efforts to resolve valuation disputes are unsuccessful, they move to a more formal hearing before a local Board of Equalization and Review. Decisions of the local Board can be appealed to the State Board of Equalization and Review (Property Tax Commission), and ultimately, the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, if necessary. Having partnered with counties for more than 30 years, we understand the practical and political challenges that these appeals create. We combine that understanding with years of litigation and appellate experience, and a unique depth of knowledge of the valuation process, to assist in an efficient resolution of property tax appeals.
Providing proactive advice and consultation to prepare for and avoid risk through evaluation of practices, policies, and insurance.
Defending local government and their agencies in matters with the North Carolina Industrial Commission with an understanding of both acute legal issues in dispute and broader political implications. Visit our Workers’ Compensation page to learn more.
The recent criminal justice reform bill passed by the North Carolina General Assembly discussed here has caused local governments to review their ordinances to ensure they comply with the new law. In doing so, entities need to ensure the revisions…
Effective October 1, 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted a new law regarding judicial assignment related to medical malpractice cases. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-47.3 (directing the rotation and assignment of superior court judges) has been amended to add…
Governor Roy Cooper recently signed Senate Bill 300—a criminal justice reform bill—into law. The bill, reflecting the impact of the national conversation surrounding reform in law enforcement and attempts to address the calls for transparency from those who wear the…
The recent story of the zebra cobra loose in Raleigh made national news and, in the process, captured our attentions and nightmares. The story fascinated people of all ages who eventually came to the same conclusion: “How can someone own…
As the world continues to open up as it gets warmer out, municipalities are faced with their spring cleaning to-do lists, which may require the assistance of independent contractors. The concern local leaders have in calling on independent contractors is…
Article I, Section 15 of the North Carolina Constitution provides that “[t]he people have a right to the privilege of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right.” N.C. Const. art. I, §…
We finally have more guidance on ways local governments may use their allotted ARPA recovery funds. On May 10, 2021, the United States Treasury adopted a final interim rule and put out a factsheet outlining the different ways eligible local…
In recent years, the Defense Bar has seen historic numbers of pro se prisoner filings. Along with this increase is a new litigation trend that involves coupling traditional medical malpractice claims under Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes…
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The ARPA amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Sections 9641, 9642 and 9643 of the ARPA amend the IRC by adding three new sections to Chapter 21 of the…
Over the last few years, a growing number of citizens have called for the removal of confederate monuments while other groups have demanded their preservation. What considerations should a local government include in its analysis in determining whether to remove…
During the month of October, front yards across the country are transformed into ancient burial grounds where long term tenants are attempting to escape. In most situations, this spellbinding event vanishes on November 1st, leaving authentic cemeteries to exist without…
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way we, as a society, operate in our daily lives. Sheriffs and their leadership have been especially affected due to the challenges operating a detention facility presents during the pandemic. Jails around the country…
In the public records case of Cline v. Hoke, Plaintiff brought an action against Defendant, assistant director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, in his official and individual capacity, seeking to obtain certain emails pursuant to North Carolina’s public…
