Quality governance is what every official wants and every taxpayer demands. Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor knows that quality governance comes at a price ­ so we use every legal tool available to help local governments maximize available funding and minimize the cost of doing business.

Tax-wise counsel. With many Illinois local governments depending on property taxes for much of their funding, protecting tax revenues is critical. Taking a preventive approach, Robbins, Schwartz guides local governments through the process of preparing levies in a manner that discourages taxpayer objections. When objections do arise, clients benefit both from Robbins, Schwartz's hands-on experience with the mechanics of tax levies and from our fundamental understanding of government finance. For example, our amicus brief, prepared for a statewide governmental association, was instrumental in persuading the Illinois Supreme Court to reject tax objectors' technical challenges to specific budgets and tax levies.

Smart financial alternatives. When it comes to government finance, state law limits flexibility, so local governments are tapping creative strategies to generate new revenues. Robbins, Schwartz analyzes legal and policy issues raised by innovative tax proposals, such as entertainment and utility taxes, TIF districts, and governmental-corporate partnerships. Robbins, Schwartz can help municipalities negotiate donation agreements that secure the financial resources required to serve needs generated by new developments. When your budget is stretched to the limit, we can develop innovative bonding packages that help minimize cost but maximize results. When unwarranted requests for tax assessment reductions or exemptions arise, the firm goes to bat for clients, ensuring that property owners pay their fair share for local government services.

Following the rules. The Open Meetings Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Investment of Public Funds Act — all too often, government officials allow a myriad of complex rules to stifle, rather than inspire, innovative programs. Robbins, Schwartz's experience staffing hundreds of board meetings can be critical to governmental bodies perplexed as to the meaning of "by the book." We understand the painful realities of resolving sticky disputes, while avoiding all the potholes along the way. Where taxpayer groups or media representatives have inundated clerks with FOIA requests, we've helped develop protocols that keep the size of requests manageable and enable governments to respond within tight deadlines. When the business endeavors of board members' spouses or other family members pose conflict of interest questions, we help the affected officials work through the maze of relevant law to ensure that all concerned avoid even the possibility of complaint. Robbins, Schwartz also counsels clients as to the applicability of the Gift Ban Act and other ethics laws.

Real property, real advice. At various junctures, local governments are landowners, landlords and tenants, responsible for substantial property. Robbins, Schwartz helps clients address liability and First Amendment problems that can arise from community use of government property and to manage environmental concerns about asbestos abatement, mold removal, radon testing and "sick building" syndrome. We counsel clients through the process of acquiring property, including land use and zoning issues, real estate contracts and title checks, and we oversee selling or leasing unused sites ­ counseling clients as to the potential tax consequences of lease arrangements, especially when such agreements could jeopardize tax exempt status.

Constructive counsel. Robbins, Schwartz offers clients an unparalleled team dedicated to the construction industry. Clients and adversaries alike respect our substantive knowledge of applicable law and regulations, our focused experience in the field, and our problem-solving, preventive approach. We educate clients about the construction industry, how it works, and the respective contributions of each team member. Then, Robbins, Schwartz helps define the project scope, identify the precise combination of skills best suited to the job at hand, and develop contracts that are neither so onerous as to cause resentment, nor so vague as to invite disputes. By establishing expectations before the first nail is driven ­ and serving as an expert resource throughout the project ­ Robbins, Schwartz helps minimize disruption and promotes timely, cost-efficient construction projects. Should unanticipated delays or construction defects give rise to disputes, Robbins, Schwartz seeks the most direct and cost-effective means of resolving them. Our experience allows us to recognize which disputes are negotiable and which are destined for the courtroom. Through preventive counsel, we put our clients in a winning position from the outset; through aggressive advocacy in any forum, we validate that position with consistently winning results.

Election success. With in-depth understanding of all aspects of the election process, Robbins, Schwartz can provide pro-active counsel that avoids litigation and minimizes public criticism. Our experience includes advising clerks who receive nomination petitions and guiding officials sitting on electoral boards, as well as representing candidates in all manner of ballot access litigation, objection hearings, election contests and campaign finance matters.