Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP

In the complex world of public finance and large-scale infrastructure projects, the need for specialized legal expertise is paramount. For governmental agencies, financial institutions, and non-profit organizations across Connecticut, navigating the intricate web of regulations, financing structures, and public contracts requires a law firm with unparalleled experience and a deep understanding of this unique sector. Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP stands as a distinguished leader in this field, offering comprehensive and sophisticated legal counsel from its Hartford, CT office. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP, detailing their highly specialized services, their long-standing legacy, and why they are an exceptionally suitable choice for entities and officials in the Connecticut region.

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP holds a unique and esteemed position in the American legal landscape. Established in 1854, it is the only national law firm in the United States whose practice is devoted primarily to public finance and public projects. This singular focus has allowed the firm to cultivate an unparalleled depth of expertise, making it a go-to resource for critical transactions that shape communities and provide essential services. With over 80 lawyers dedicated to these fields, Hawkins boasts a concentration of expertise that is unmatched by any other law firm in the country.

The firm has consistently been ranked among the top law firms nationally as both bond counsel and underwriters' counsel, participating in virtually every type of transaction in the public finance arena. Their legacy is rich, having been recognized for their bond opinions since the late 19th century and playing a role in many landmark undertakings in the nation's history. These include the financing of tollways, port authorities, housing finance agencies, environmental facilities, fiscal recovery agencies, and non-profit institutions. Beyond traditional public finance, Hawkins' project finance and public contracts practices are also highly distinguished for their breadth and experience in alternative project delivery and public-private partnership (P3) projects. Their lawyers understand and value the public purpose underlying their transactional practice, bringing sector-specific experience and innovative problem-solving to clients across the industry. For entities in Connecticut involved in public works or municipal financing, Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP offers a blend of historical depth, cutting-edge knowledge, and a national reputation for excellence.

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP maintains a strategically located office in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, ensuring convenient access for their clients across the state. The firm's Hartford office is situated at:

20 Church St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA (specifically, Suite 700 within One Corporate Center)

This prime downtown Hartford address offers numerous advantages for governmental agencies, financial institutions, and non-profit organizations in Connecticut:

• Central Business Hub: Located within One Corporate Center, a prominent building in Hartford's financial and legal district, the office is easily accessible from various parts of the city and its surrounding municipalities. Its proximity to other key professional services and government entities facilitates efficient collaboration.

• Transportation Access: Downtown Hartford is well-served by diverse transportation options. For those traveling by car, ample parking garages are typically available in the immediate vicinity of 20 Church Street. Public transportation, including bus routes, also provides convenient access for clients commuting from different regions of Connecticut.

• Professional and Secure Environment: Occupying a suite on the 7th floor, the office provides a professional, secure, and confidential setting ideal for sensitive financial and contractual discussions, ensuring privacy and conducive working conditions for complex legal matters.

The ease of accessibility to the Hartford office underscores Hawkins' commitment to serving its Connecticut clientele efficiently and effectively, enabling seamless communication and collaboration on critical public finance and project endeavors.

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP specializes in a highly focused range of legal services, almost entirely dedicated to the intricate field of public finance and public projects. Their deep expertise ensures comprehensive and sophisticated counsel for governmental agencies, non-profit entities, and financial institutions. Key service areas include:

• Bond Counsel Services: As a nationally recognized bond counsel, Hawkins advises state and local governments, agencies, and authorities on the issuance of tax-exempt and taxable bonds to finance public infrastructure, facilities, and programs. This includes drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with federal tax laws, and issuing legal opinions on bond validity.

• Underwriters' Counsel Services: The firm represents investment banking firms that underwrite municipal bonds, ensuring that the issuance process complies with all relevant securities laws and regulations, and that offering documents accurately disclose all material information.

• Disclosure Counsel Services: Hawkins assists public issuers in preparing official statements and other disclosure documents related to municipal bond offerings, ensuring compliance with federal securities laws and promoting transparency for investors.

• Project Finance and Public Contracts: They provide legal counsel on the financing, development, and operation of large-scale public projects, including those involving alternative project delivery methods and public-private partnerships (P3s). This encompasses various sectors such as transportation, energy, water, wastewater, and public buildings.

• Tax-Exempt and Tax-Advantaged Transactions: Expertise in the complex federal tax laws governing tax-exempt bonds, including post-issuance compliance, IRS Voluntary Closing Agreement Program (VCAP) experience, and obtaining private letter rulings.

• Environmental Facilities Finance: Specializing in the financing of environmental infrastructure projects, such as wastewater treatment plants and solid waste facilities.

• Housing Finance: Counsel on the financing of affordable housing projects and programs.

• Education and Healthcare Finance: Advising on bond financings for public and private educational institutions (K-12, higher education) and healthcare facilities, including hospitals and senior living centers.

• Securities Law & Disclosure: Providing comprehensive advice on compliance with federal securities laws for municipal issuers.

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP boasts numerous distinguishing features and highlights that affirm its status as a top-tier firm in public finance and public projects:

• Nationally Recognized Leader: It is the only national law firm primarily dedicated to public finance and public projects, consistently ranked among the top bond counsel and underwriters' counsel firms in the U.S. by volume.

• Long-Standing Heritage: Founded in 1854, Hawkins has over 170 years of continuous service, marking it as one of the oldest and most respected firms in the municipal industry.

• Unparalleled Expertise: With more attorneys focused full-time on public finance and projects than any other firm, they offer a depth of knowledge that is truly unique.

• Involvement in Landmark Projects: The firm has participated in significant undertakings throughout U.S. history, including major infrastructure, housing, and environmental facilities, showcasing their impact on national development.

• Top Rankings and Awards: Consistently receives Band 1 rankings for public finance in Chambers USA (including for 2025) and has been named "Law Firm of the Year" in Public Finance Law by Best Lawyers® (including for 2025). Individual attorneys are also frequently recognized in Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers®.

• Comprehensive Public Finance Services: Offers a full suite of services including bond counsel, disclosure counsel, underwriters' counsel, special tax counsel, and bank counsel, ensuring comprehensive support for any public financing need.

• Deep Sector-Specific Experience: Their lawyers possess profound knowledge across various sectors like transportation, housing, education, healthcare, and environmental facilities, leading to innovative problem-solving.

As a highly specialized and nationally recognized law firm serving governmental agencies, financial institutions, and large non-profit entities, Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP operates on a professional engagement model rather than offering "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense. Their value proposition lies in their unparalleled expertise, deep industry knowledge, and proven track record in complex public finance and project transactions.

For potential clients—which typically include state and local governments, public authorities, investment banks, and institutional investors—the firm offers the benefit of their extensive experience and top-tier legal advice aimed at achieving successful and compliant financings. They pride themselves on providing sound, ethical advice, prompt communication, and a collaborative approach. While there are no advertised discounts, their efficiency and effectiveness, derived from their specialized focus and extensive experience, often translate into long-term value and successful project outcomes for their clients. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Hartford office directly to discuss their specific needs and how Hawkins can provide tailored legal solutions.

For governmental agencies, financial institutions, and non-profit organizations in Connecticut seeking expert legal counsel in public finance, public projects, and related areas, Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP can be reached through the following contact details for their Hartford office:

• Address: 20 Church St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA (Suite 700)

• Phone: (860) 275-6260

• Mobile Phone: +1 860-275-6260

Contacting the office by phone is the most direct way to connect with the firm, discuss your specific public finance or project needs, and inquire about scheduling a consultation with their highly specialized attorneys. The provision of both a primary office number and a mobile number underscores their commitment to client accessibility.

For governmental entities, public authorities, financial institutions, and non-profit organizations across Connecticut, Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP in Hartford is an exceptionally suitable and indispensable legal partner. Their suitability stems directly from their highly specialized practice, unparalleled experience, and deep-seated commitment to public finance and public projects.

Unlike general practice firms, Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP's exclusive focus means they bring an unmatched depth of knowledge to complex municipal bond issuances, infrastructure financings, and public-private partnerships. This specialization is crucial for Connecticut entities navigating the intricate legal and financial landscape of public undertakings. Whether it's financing new schools, improving transportation systems, developing affordable housing, or upgrading environmental facilities, having a firm that has been consistently ranked as a national leader in these exact areas provides an invaluable advantage. Their long history, dating back to 1854, offers a level of institutional knowledge and reliability that is hard to find.

Furthermore, their attorneys are not only experts in the law but also understand the practicalities and public purpose behind these critical projects. The Hartford office's central location ensures convenient access for local officials and project teams, fostering seamless collaboration. For any entity in Connecticut embarking on a public finance initiative or a major public project, partnering with Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP means securing counsel from a firm that is not only at the forefront of the field nationally but also deeply committed to the successful development of their local communities. Their consistent top rankings and participation in landmark projects affirm that Connecticut clients are receiving counsel from the very best in public finance law.