Overview

Clients rely on Chris to navigate the intricate provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and structure public finance transactions that meet both practical and regulatory needs. Known for his ability to translate complex tax issues into clear, actionable strategies, Chris helps clients secure efficient and effective funding for transformative projects.

Chris is Counsel in Dilworth Paxson’s Public Finance Practice, where he serves as 103 tax counsel and bond counsel, as well as counsel to issuers, borrowers, municipal governments, and other public bodies in financing and public-private partnership (P3) transactions. He advises governments, bankers, non-profits, and a wide range of for-profit entities on tax and financing issues across sectors, including transportation and infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development. With more than 25 years of experience in public finance, Chris is known for his thoughtful, pragmatic approach and his ability to explain complex tax matters in plain English to help clients advance their goals.

Chris takes a practical, business-minded approach to each engagement, supporting clients in identifying tax issues early and crafting solutions that align with their operational and strategic objectives. His work spans derivative transactions, including tax structuring for integration and termination, as well as bond and project financings that drive community growth. As 103 counsel, Chris frequently advises minority- and women-owned public finance law firms, helping them overcome barriers to entry in the municipal marketplace and expand their capabilities in federal tax law.

In every engagement, Chris focuses on clear, consistent communication and collaboration. He leverages decades of experience to anticipate regulatory complexities and mitigate risks, ensuring that each transaction proceeds efficiently from planning to closing. Whether serving as bond counsel, special counsel, or outside 103 counsel on tax matters, Chris applies deep technical knowledge and sound judgment to deliver outcomes that support his clients’ long-term success.

Representative Experience

  • Served as bond counsel and special counsel to the New York Transportation Development Corporation in the P3 renovation and privatization of the 27 service areas on the New York State Thruway—a 570-mile tollway and the fifth busiest in the nation. This transaction was named the Bond Buyer 2021 Public-Private Partnership (P3) Financing Deal of the Year.
  • Served as bond counsel for over $4 billion in bond-financed sale-leaseback economic development projects.
  • Served as bond and borrower’s counsel in connection with the issuance of numerous charter school financings.
  • Served as co-bond counsel to the Philadelphia Energy Authority for the issuance of $72 million in City Service Agreement Revenue Bonds (Philadelphia Street Lighting Project) Series A of 2023 (Tax-Exempt) (Sustainability Bonds) and $10 million Series B of 2023 (Federally Taxable) (Sustainability Bonds).

Professional & Community Activities

  • Member, National Association of Bond Lawyers
  • Member, American Bar Association

Speeches & Presentations

  • NABL Tax Diligence Matrix Project
  •  NABL Comment Committee on Revenue Procedure 2020-44
  • AIAI P3C Public Private Partnership Conference & Expo (Dallas, Texas – March 6, 2019)
  • Urban Land Institute CFL Economic Development Day (Dallas, Texas – February 28, 2019)
  • Dallas Bar Association Tax Section Opportunity Zone Panel (Dallas, Texas – January 7, 2019)
  • CDFA National Development Finance Summit Opportunity Zone Panel (Dallas, Texas – November 7, 2018)