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Local Government

Pender & Coward attorneys have extensive experience advising and representing local governments, school boards and government agencies as outside counsel on a broad array of legal issues for any jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We regularly appear before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, Circuit Courts and Federal District Courts across the state.

We have a broad range of experience in representing local governments that govern cities, villages, towns and counties, and any entity established and regulated by state law. We understand the difficulty and complexity in addressing local government matters and the importance of being immediately available when issues arise.

Our lawyers provide valuable knowledge and counsel on a broad range of local government matters including:

  • Airport law

  • Civil rights and constitutional violations defense

  • Community associations

  • Conservation and open space easements

  • Construction litigation

  • Delinquent tax sales and collection

  • Eminent domain and right of way, all phases

  • Employment discrimination and other issues

  • Environmental law

  • Freedom of Information Act

  • Immigration

  • Personal injury claims and risks of defense

  • Public procurement

  • Real estate

  • School and educational institutions law

  • Wrongful death and other tort claims alleging governmental immunity

  • Workers’ compensation and personal injury claims and risks of defense

  • Zoning and land use

Our experienced attorneys can serve in a consultant role for risk management in worker’ compensation matters and represent local government in claims brought before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. We represent clients in hearings before Deputy Commissioners, and work closely with risk managers in assessing workers’ compensation, tort, negligence, employment, Section 1983 and other personal injury claims.

We understand cost concerns of public entities and strive to provide the best legal service efficiently and effectively at a value to local government and agencies. Even as we strive to keep costs to a minimum, we do not compromise the quality of our work to meet our clients’ needs.

Representative Cases and Transactions
  • Represented local government in $20 million personal injury litigation in which the plaintiff suffered catastrophic injuries in a motor vehicle accident with a police officer.

  • Represented local school board in $18 million personal injury litigation where the plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident with a school bus.

  • Represented local government in a post-traumatic stress and occupational disease claim exceeding $1 million in exposure.