Municipal Law and Finance

Municipal Broadband

Recognizing the importance of broadband service and the availability of new funding sources, Preti Flaherty has formed a municipal broadband practice group. It is a collaborative effort of our Municipal Law and Finance, Energy and Telecommunications, and Business Law Groups.  This multidisciplinary practice is the result of decades of experience working with municipalities and leading the negotiation and management of some of the region’s most significant public utility and broadband infrastructure agreements. Preti Flaherty’s attorneys have direct experience establishing and funding local broadband projects in Maine and are well-known for the successful representation of municipal and county governments, publicly owned utilities, school districts, and other public entities across New England. Combining extensive municipal, telecommunications and business law experience with deep knowledge of communications businesses and technologies, we help clients simplify and streamline the complex planning and implementation of major telecommunications projects.

Our municipal broadband capabilities and experience include:

  • Interlocal agreements and utility district formation
  • Public-private broadband partnerships
  • Public rights of way for communications infrastructure
  • Infrastructure siting, acquisition, and leasing
  • Wired and wireless communications and broadband infrastructure
  • State and local regulatory compliance issues
  • Local, state, and federal broadband policy
  • Federal and state licensing and compliance
  • Telecommunications service negotiations and contracting assistance
  • Environmental, permitting, zoning, and land use issues
  • Broadband and telecommunications advocacy

A Reliable Network

Preti Flaherty attorneys have been trusted names in municipal, telecommunications and business law for decades. Central to our success is our depth of experience and nuanced understanding of the complex government and technological landscape. From traditional matters like administrative hearings and enforcement proceedings to cutting-edge issues across the rapidly evolving IT-communications-media spectrum, we provide clients with clear insight and guidance to help them overcome broadband barriers, make critical infrastructure decisions, and establish state-of-the-art communications systems.

Firm Highlights

Event

Sigmund Schutz to moderate panel at 36th Annual Media and the Law Seminar: Under Attack! Existential Threats to Journalism and Free Speech

From unlawful searches and seizures of newsrooms and highly contentious litigation to physical harassment and calls for violence online, journalists and news organizations are under attack like never before. At the 36 th Annual...

News

Benchmark Litigation Names Preti Flaherty 2024 “Maine Firm of the Year"

Benchmark Litigation has named Preti Flaherty as 2024 Litigation Firm of the Year in the State of Maine. Through extensive peer- and- client reviewed research, as well as analysis of casework; the Benchmark Awards...

Publication

USCIS Announces H-1B Registration Period for FY2025: New “Beneficiary Centric” Registration Process and Increased Fees

USCIS has recently announced a series of changes that will impact the FY2025 H-1B registration system and cap filing season. H-1B Registration Period and Organizational Accounts As in prior years, under this process, prospective petitioners...

News

Preti Attorneys File Suit Against Al-Generated Robocalls in the 2024 NH Presidential Primary

Representing the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the League of Women Voters of the United States, and individual voters, Preti Flaherty, with co-counsel, filed a federal lawsuit against Steve Kramer, Lingo Telecom...

News

Attorney Jeffrey Thaler Named to 2024 Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Energy Law

Preti Flaherty’s attorney Jeffrey Thaler has been recognized by  Lawdragon  as one of the top 500 Leaders in Energy Law. This is Jeff’s third time named to this prestigious list since the first publication...

Publication

Helping Employers Navigate the New Independent Contractor Rule and Compliance Challenges

On March 11 th , the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) new Independent Contractor Rule goes into effect.  As your organization readies itself for compliance, it’s imperative to scrutinize your independent contractor classifications...

Event

Legal Foundations Lunch and Learn Series: Understanding Indemnity Clauses

Our Legal Foundations Lunch and Learn Series features monthly 30-minute webinars that provide in-depth insights into recent updates, industry trends, and key issues impacting the construction industry. Preti Flaherty attorneys Kenneth Rubinstein and Nicholas...

Publication

Important Updates to American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Rules and Mediation Procedures

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) updated its Construction Industry Rules and Mediation procedures (AAA Rules), effective March 1, 2024, marking the first update since 2015. The updates are important because the AAA Rules are...

Event

Hire Education: Best Practices for Onboarding New Employees

As an HR professional, hiring the right talent, addressing employee needs, and managing terminations are just a few of the most challenging problems that arise. During this year's three-part Employment Breakfast Webinar Series, we'll...

Publication

Failure to Follow Your Contract's Notice Requirements Can be Costly

In Kinetic Systems, Inc. v. IPS-Integrated Projects Services, LLC et. al., No.: 20-cv-1125 (D.N.H. February 6, 2024), the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire granted summary judgment for a general contractor...