Girvin & Ferlazzo has represented a variety of local governments throughout New York State as general or special counsel on a variety of issues involving municipal law.

The extensive experience of our firm in providing services to state and local municipal entities has provided us with unique insight into such representation. Few law firms have the ability to bring its public sector clients such a broad base of experience and knowledge in municipal, civil service and public officers law. Founded as a school and public sector labor and employment law firm, we have been representing towns, villages, counties, school districts and a number of New York State Agencies for over twenty years, and are one of the largest and most experienced municipal law firms in New York.

As general counsel, we represent our municipal and school district clients on issues such as contract matters, construction disputes, employee discrimination claims, employee discipline, labor arbitrations, real property assessment disputes, and zoning and land use disputes. Our services are tailored to provide the highest quality legal representation at competitive rates, promoting the most efficient use of public funds. In each case, our attorneys work closely with municipal and agency officers and their general counsel to develop a litigation strategy which best serves the goals of the governmental entity while preserving public accountability.

As counsel to both school district and other municipal entities, we assist our clients in navigating the many environmental obligations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the myriad of related state and federal laws and regulations. As an integral part of our comprehensive legal services to our clients, we routinely analyze proposed construction, reconstruction, and related development projects to determine the scope and extent of any necessary environmental review, taking into consideration land use and development issues, environmental clean ups, and administrative enforcement proceedings. We are experienced in defending both contamination suits brought under State and Federal law, and legal challenges raising SEQRA compliance issues.

The firm also provides guidance to municipalities on all aspects of local government, including labor and employment matters, drafting resolutions, ordinances and local laws, formation of special districts, matters arising under the County, City, Town and Village Laws, application of the Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law, zoning and land use issues, and all other issues uniquely applicable to local government. Girvin & Ferlazzo offers its services as special counsel to local governments in defense of Article 78 proceedings, specific litigation matters, and special projects, including tax certiorari proceedings and disputes arising under the federal telecommunications laws and regulations.