Experienced Public Finance Lawyer Fred Williams Joins Ballard Spahr in Phoenix

L. Frederick "Fred" Williams, Jr., a public finance and tax lawyer with more than 30 years of experience with municipal bond transactions, has joined Ballard Spahr in the firm’s Phoenix office, firm Chair Peter Michaud announced today.

Mr. Williams has served as underwriter's counsel, purchaser’s counsel, bond counsel, and other roles on numerous bond financings for a variety of development projects. He has particular experience with transactions involving affordable housing and solid waste facilities, as well as negotiating and documenting financial incentives for energy projects. His experience encompasses the representation of both public agencies and private entities in transactions involving government bonds, tax-exempt private activity bonds, New Markets Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, energy credits, opportunity zones, and tax increment financing.

As senior counsel in Ballard Spahr’s highly regarded Public Finance Group and the firm’s national Finance Department, Mr. Williams adds even greater depth to a public finance practice recognized as one of the nation’s strongest. His addition in Phoenix comes on the heels of Peter Lam joining the Group earlier this fall in the firm’s New York office.

“Fred brings tremendous experience in public finance transactions, an area where we see a growing need in Arizona and throughout the West,” said Benjamin W. Johnson, co-leader of Ballard Spahr’s Public Finance Group. “He’s a great fit for our team, and his addition in Phoenix will benefit our clients in Arizona, the West, and across the country.”

“I’m excited to join Ballard Spahr’s public finance practice, which is well-known for excellence both in Arizona and nationally,” Mr. Williams said. “The firm’s culture of collaboration and strong, long-term client relationships also resonates with me, and fits well with my practice and clients.”

Ballard Spahr’s public finance practice is rated perennially among the top practices of its kind in the nation by Chambers USA and other leading legal industry publications. Lawyers in the practice have served as counsel in the issuance of more than $1 trillion of tax-exempt obligations in all states, the District of Columbia, and American territories. The firm’s public finance attorneys represent state and local governments and authorities, special districts, nonprofit organizations, investment banks, banking institutions, health care systems, educational institutions, and project developers in virtually every type of bond transaction. 

For media inquiries, please contact Bill Shralow at 215.864.8195.