ABOUT ME

I grew up in a town of 5,000 people, and in a home where good government and good policy were taken seriously. A college internship with my home county showed me that local government is where things really get done to improve our neighbors’ lives. I found a law practice home in public finance that has allowed me to be part of that action, and I am so grateful to be here. 

Working in public finance has been a perfect match for my interests and my abilities. It has also given me a wonderful opportunity to see, to learn about, and to serve the communities of my adopted home state. I have been doing this for about 40 years, but it’s still not stale – in every community we work with, and in every project, there is something new to learn.

Most of my practice is as bond counsel for North Carolina cities, counties and towns. We work across the State and on all forms of local government finance – general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, installment financings (including LOBs), special obligation bonds, and contract-based financings. I have good working relationships with the bankers, financial advisers, LGC personnel and other market participants.

I take pride in my long-term client relationships, but I think I do some of my best work for clients who don’t borrow money frequently. I try to practice with humility, empathy and respect. I appreciate being told that I’m “not stuffy like those other bond lawyers,” and that I’m good at explaining things the way folks can understand. I have worked in the field a long time, but I’m still open to and interested in new ways to approach the work.

I grew up and went to college in New York State, but I came to North Carolina for law school, met a girl and discovered that Winter Is A Choice. And yes, I’m fully aware of what we call a Yankee who comes south and never leaves.

I live in Chapel Hill with my wife, our cat Fellaini, our dogs Spot (a generic black dog) and Pal (a generic brown dog), and however many of our four children happen to be breezing through at the time. I root for the Tar Heels, Yankees and Manchester United.

EDUCATION

• University of North Carolina School of Law, JD 1985
• Cornell University, BA 1982

BAR ADMISSIONS

• North Carolina

CONTACT

bob@shlawgroup.com
Office Phone: 919-933-9891
Cell Phone: 919-810-3165