American Bar Association
Section of State and Local Government LawState and Local Law News
Vol. 24, No. 2, Winter 2001
Special City/County Attorney's Issue
By Patrick K. Arey
This edition of State & Local Law News features articles drafted by local government attorneys that demonstrate the breadth of legal issues faced by local governments. One unique quality of the Section of State and Local Government Law is that our substantive areas of practice overlap the substantive "jurisdiction" of other sections and forums within the American Bar Association. However, we bring the unique perspective of state and local government to each of these areas.
During the last century the state and local government powers expanded dramatically-from narrowly construed purposes and limitations to broadly based powers which impact each of us in all aspects of our daily lives. And despite our fascination with broad issues and national concerns (just witness our recent presidential election), local governments most directly affect us in our everyday lives: where we live and work, how we travel or commute, and where our children attend schools, to name just a few examples.
These articles include substantive discussions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, risk management for local governments, the impact of the 2000 Census on voting rights, education funding, providing healthcare benefits through local consortiums, crime prevention through zoning, the licensing of sexually oriented businesses, and a reminder that local governments continue to be constrained by 150 year old constitutional provisions designed to prevent them from providing funds to assist private companies (always near and dear to bond counsel).
And these articles also include a thoughtful piece on the challenges faced by city and local government attorneys, as well as the rewards and satisfactions of such service. This thoughtful piece reminds us that much of our work with state and local governments directly affects our communities, our neighbors, and ourselves.
This issue is dedicated to those lawyers who serve the public in so many ways, often under intense pressures or demands, who strive to provide the highest quality service and advice to their clients, and who are all too frequently under-appreciated and under-recognized. In my experience, these public servants are frequently called upon to provide the advice and expertise one expects from large sophisticated law firms, but without the same financial rewards or recognition. The Section salutes you and thanks you for your dedication to selfless public service.
Patrick K. Arey is Chair of the Section and practices law with Abramoff, Neuberger and Linder LLP in Baltimore, Maryland.
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