David M. Wolf

The project finance and economic development corners of the law are layered in complexity and arcane nuance but my clients tell me I’m very good at using plain English to explain a complicated deal. I believe it’s a lawyer’s responsibility – and a guiding principle of my practice – to ensure that clients fully understand what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and how it’s being accomplished. Once the light goes on, they’re more invested in the deal and can participate more in structuring it.

Primary Practice:

Public Finance

As a bond lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, David Wolf counsels numerous state and local government agencies and entities in Louisiana on public finance matters. He represents parishes, municipalities, industrial development boards, port commissions and special service districts, among others. David also helps local and national companies in an array of industries find ways to leverage incentives and build public-private partnerships to construct or expand projects. He advises these clients as they collaborate with local governments in crafting and implementing economic development packages, which often requires creative approaches because of reductions in federal and state resources, and reluctance to raise taxes.

David helps clients navigate the myriad issues that arise in structuring, developing and implementing capital improvement and cash-flow management programs, using a variety of debt instruments. He also counsels local governments, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and for-profit businesses on taxable and tax-exempt financing alternatives available under federal, state and local laws.

David enjoys seeing the tangible evidence that manifests from the pivotal role he plays in producing a school, or new streets, affordable housing, public safety programs or a business that’s providing jobs for people and generating taxes for communities. His collaboration with clients ultimately benefits people across the state of Louisiana as both businesses and governments fulfill their goals in cost-effective ways.

Clients say they appreciate the knowledge base David has gained through the sheer number and variety of deals he’s handled and the vast network of relationships he’s nurtured. David has witnessed, participated in and understood the transformation of the legal and business landscape in public finance and economic development over the years. He sees the big picture.

“ Just about every large public works or economic development project is financed with bonds, and it’s important that elected officials, community leaders and business owners understand how bond issues can be used to leverage resources to meet their capital needs. That’s why I use simple, everyday terms to explain these complex transactions. ”