About This Practice Area
Our attorneys are some of Georgia's most experienced when it comes to litigation with or matters involving state and local government. Not only have we argued before administrative bodies, but members of the firm have also drafted laws, regulations and ordinances that set policy in Georgia. Our experience goes beyond the private sector: Robbins Firm attorneys have served as the Executive Counsel to the Governor, Special Assistant Attorneys General, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Ethics Commission, and counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the Georgia House of Representatives. We have also provided legal advice to city councils and county commissions. Having represented both government entities and private parties against governments, our attorneys are uniquely poised to assist clients in matters involving government.
Representative Matters
Two of our partners represented the State of Georgia as Special Assistant Attorneys General in the State of Georgia’s lawsuit against “Obamacare.” The case was ultimately decided by the United States Supreme Court. Our attorneys represented the State of Georgia pro bono (i.e., at no cost to the State).
We represented a Fortune 50 company in a zoning appeal. Our client purchased a commercial property for over $60 million after our client obtained assurances and positive feedback from City officials with regard to our client's proposed redevelopment. Despite the positive feedback and assurances, the city council initially denied rezoning. Our client filed suit, and the City Council subsequently voted to approve the rezoning.
We represented the State of Georgia after it was sued for breach of contract concerning the level of services provided to state residents with developmental disabilities and mental illness. We were successful in reaching an agreement to avoid an outcome involving direct federal control of the state services at issue. This agreement is now viewed as the gold standard governing state programs for developmentally disabled and mentally-ill individuals, and we have served in advisory roles to guide other States.
Other representative matters include:
- Administrative Appeals.
- Agency Rulemaking.
- Election Disputes.
- Ethics and Campaign Finance.
- Government Investigations.
- Land Use and Zoning.
- License and Permit Disputes.
- Open Records & Open Meetings Laws.
- School District Litigation.
