Barnes & Thornburg LLP has further expanded its public finance practice by welcoming four additional attorneys from Ballard Spahr LLP. This move follows the firm’s recent acquisition of 35 public finance lawyers from Ballard Spahr, which also included the opening of new offices in Baltimore, Denver, and Phoenix.
The initial group of 35 attorneys, comprising 25 partners, joined Barnes & Thornburg’s Government Services and Finance Department, effectively doubling the firm’s public finance team to 56 lawyers. This expansion positions the firm among the nation’s top 10 practices in public finance, enhancing its capacity to advise on complex financing and infrastructure projects across various industries, including state and local government, banking, healthcare, education, and renewable energy.
Among the notable additions are partners Valarie Allen in Philadelphia, Jeffrey Ballard in Washington, D.C., and Michele Bax in Phoenix. Allen and current partner Kimberly Blanchet will serve as vice chairs for public finance, while John Smolen and Steve Park will lead the infrastructure practice. The new team has been recognized nationally and internationally for their work on large and complex infrastructure projects, including public-private partnerships.
Managing Partner Andrew J. Detherage expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “This team represents a premier practice that enhances the firm’s existing public finance practice and supports the firm’s strategic growth strategy to be a top destination for talented lawyers and marquee practices.” ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bt-adds-national-top-tier-35-lawyer-public-finance-and-infrastructure-teams-opens-three-new-offices-302692234.html?utm_source=openai))
With these strategic hires, Barnes & Thornburg continues to strengthen its position as a leading firm in public finance and infrastructure law, offering comprehensive services to clients nationwide.