Bond Counsel Legal Services

2026-11-03

SCOPE OF WORK A . Purpose DeKalb County School District (“ District ”) is seeking proposals for DeKalb County Board of Education (“ Board ”) legal services from certified , competent and fully capable law firms with substantiated successful experience in various disciplines , as described herein with large scale educational institutions and / or organizations . The selected law firm ( s ) will be expected to attend Board meetings and other District meetings as needed . The selected law firm ( s ) will be expected to provide legal services in the areas of Bond Counsel . Bond Counsel will ensure the legality and tax - exempt status of bonds issued to finance school projects within the District . In addition , the selected law firm ( s ) will be expected to be available to provide advice to the Superintendent and the Board during non - business hours including the attendance at “ scheduled ” and “ called ” meetings when requested . Awarded firm ( s ) shall provide services in accordance with the specifications , requirements , and terms and conditions stated herein . Services shall include all equipment , labor , materials , tools , specialized equipment , supplies , trained personnel , insurance , travel and per - dem , direct and indirect administrative costs , overhead , any other charges , and all things and services necessary to provide the requested services in this RFP . The District reserves the right to make multiple awards and will be responsible for administration of this contract . B . Project Scope of Work The selected law firm will be expected to provide specialized professional legal services to the District on an as needed basis . The selection process will include an assessment of the firm ’ s experience , expertise and ability to address the following areas listed below . Various issues arise during the normal course of business involving matters that require guidance and advice from legal counsel . Because such services , at times , represent emergency situations , legal counsel will be expected to return a telephone call , or email , to the District without undue delay . Furthermore , the District is large , and it would not be unusual for more than one department of the District to request legal services at the same time . An award will be made to one or more selected law firms for Bond Counsel Legal Services . The law firms selected will be expected to meet all the legal needs of the District during a school day . The law firms chosen will provide on - site services , as needed , to the District . Invoices for the services will only be accepted from the awarded law firm ( s ). Payment for services under the contract shall be made to the awarded firm ( s ). The District reserves the right to negotiate fees with the selected law firm ( s ). The list below is representative but not exhaustive of the scope of services or areas of need in serving the District . Legal Opinions : o Bond Counsel will issue a sound legal opinion that the bonds are valid and that the District has the authority to issue those bonds . The opinion will also confirm that the interest paid is tax exempt . Formation of the Transaction : o Bond Counsel will provide advice on the most advantageous financial and legal structure . The analysis will include a discussion on general obligation bonds which are , where necessary approved by the voters in a bond referendum . In addition , the analysis will comment on whether the District may access public finance by means of lease - purchase of equipment . Document Preparation : o Bond Counsel will prepare critical legal documents , including but not limited to , when applicable , bond resolutions , trust indentures , and bond validation paperwork . Examples of specific documents include , but are not limited to , authorizing and governing documents , bond forms , tax & IRS documents , official disclosure documents like the official statement , opinions and certifications , as well as closing documents . Procedural Compliance : o Bond Counsel will comply and follow applicable securities laws , SEC rules , and Georgia specific statute or constitutional requirements . Voter Referenda : o Bond Counsel will assist with ballot language and proceedings for bond referendums . Closing Deals and Post Closing : o Bond Counsel will oversee the bond closing transaction and handle any post - issuance duties and requirements . This includes , but is not limited to , defeasance ( paying of old bonds ) if applicable . Risk Management : o Bond Counsel will provide advice on how to avoid any legal pitfalls , such as issues with equity in a proposed lease - purchase of equipment . In addition , advice will be provided on the proper use of funds by the District . Other : o State and Federal litigation involving the above matters in the area of public finance transactions involving the issuance of general obligation bonds or the access of public finance by means of lease - purchase of equipment , where bond issues face challenges in State or Federal Court .

Georgia

2026-04-29