Skip to Content

Our lawyers represent clients before legislative and executive bodies in both formal and informal proceedings relating to ethics, energy, solid waste, real estate, privatization, taxation, technology, the environment, and health care. We review city, state, and federal legislation and combine broad legal knowledge with effective advocacy techniques to help clients understand government policy, critical to survival in a regulated environment. We also represent clients during contract negotiations and at hearings. In conjunction with our government relations efforts, we provide our clients with advice concerning compliance with federal and state laws regulating election and campaign political activity, fundraising, and contributions.

We know that political, legislative, and governmental issues can often arise as obstacles in achieving your goals, and our attorneys have sophisticated practices that can handle these pitfalls and help you negotiate the legal and regulatory maze. Our lawyers have represented numerous government agencies, departments, and municipalities in complex litigation matters, or served in government positions. As a result of our long-term involvement in this field of practice, we have developed in-depth knowledge in governmental regulation that enhances the representation of government entities and the representation of non-government clients concerning regulatory matters. We also develop and implement strategies for clients who need to obtain public funding or who need assistance with an administrative or regulatory matter in the local, state, or federal milieu. Throughout the process, you stay informed of changes that could affect your business interests or decisions.

Schnader’s attorneys are also experienced with a broad spectrum of contracts involving government entities, and many have first-hand experience as former government executives and lawyers. We can assist in the formation and administration of such public-private arrangements, and we can advise and advocate when disputes arise. We work with local, state, and federal government agencies and with domestic and foreign business organizations. 

Examples of the types of projects with which our attorneys are experienced include:

  •  Real Estate Development
  •  Eminent Domain
  •  Transportation and Infrastructure
  •  Energy
  •  Municipal, County and State Services
  •  Municipal Utilities
  •  Child Welfare
  •  Education
  •  Investments
  •  Concessions
  •  Sports and Entertainment Venues
  •  Airports and Aviation
  •  Engineering and Architecture
  •  Construction

Our litigation experience includes:

  • Represented the City of Philadelphia in defeating an effort to obtain an injunction in litigation challenging the City’s ability to regulate the manufacture of “ghost guns.”
  • Represented voters in litigation involving attempts by a legislative committee to subpoena an executive branch agency and challenges to the enforcement of the subpoena, including extensive briefing and argument on legislative investigations and the executive branch’s obligations in response to legislative requests for information.
  • Represented city council members in zoning appeals in challenges to high density development projects in low density neighborhoods to protect interests of community members.
  • Successfully defended the District Attorney in five employment discrimination cases involving seven plaintiffs and claims of age and/or reverse-race discrimination. Obtained a defense verdict in federal district court on behalf of the District Attorney and the City of Philadelphia in the only case that went to trial.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of the Philadelphia District Attorney in a religious discrimination case arising out of the office’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate and representing the District Attorney in the appeal of the judgment and in similar claims pending before the EEOC and PHRC.
  • Representing prosecutors in three different civil cases asserting claims of malicious prosecution and the District Attorney’s Office in federal and state cases challenging policies and procedures put in place to ensure compliance with constitutional obligations in criminal proceedings.
  • Represented a Montgomery County municipality in litigation arising from the condemnation of a failed real estate development project.
  • Representing Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Airport in litigation under the Eminent Domain Code.
  • Represented the Pennsylvania Department of Health in federal proceedings arising from the bankruptcy of Hahnemann University Hospital.
  • Represented government pension funds in class and individual litigation under state and federal securities laws.

News & Publications

Related Events