_Local government law, also known as municipal law, which governs the operation of cities and towns and regulates the delivery of essential services, is the body of law that has the most immediate impact on everyday citizens. By controlling police, fire departments, public schools and garbage pickup, local government law significantly affects a community’s quality of life. Local government law is also the place where theoretical Constitutional protections are put to the test, as zoning decisions clash with private property rights, parking restrictions aid or impede commerce, and elections preserve or subvert democratic rule. Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello, P.C. has been actively engaged in municipal law for more than 36 years. We represent local governing bodies and individual citizens in cases related to:

_Litigation on behalf of local government

Too often, economic development that would benefit an overwhelming majority is held hostage by a small group of activists with a not-in-my-back-yard mentality.  Red tape on the state or federal level can also stymie progress. When a city ordinance, practice or development stirs up conflict with state and federal agencies, community groups or individual residents, Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello, P.C. provides robust representation to protect the interests of the city in service of the people it represents.

Counseling city officers and elected officials on compliance issues

Newly elected officials often need to be educated on the differences between standard operating procedures in the public and private sectors. This can also be true for veteran city managers. Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello, P.C. has the knowledge, experience and resources to inform responsible officers on the requirements of open meeting and open records law, the code of ethics, and numerous other problems frequently faced by local entities. We can even assist in drafting ordinances to avoid conflict with existing precedent. 

Contact a trusted and established municipal law firm in New Jersey

To schedule an appointment with Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello, P.C., call us at 908-953-9300 or contact our firm online.