Our Profile
Introduction
“The firm acts for many blue-chip investment funds, banks, finance companies and other corporate entities, mainly in the financial services industry, on issues of Delaware law, statutory trusts and financing transactions in alternative entities.” – Chambers USA 2008
Introduction
Since 2004, we have represented clients in over $3 Billion Dollars of transactions relating to one or more of the following federal tax incentive programs:
Low Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”) program which provide financing to develop affordable rental housing for low-income households;
Renewable Energy Tax Credits which provide tax incentives for the development of clean and renewable energy sources;
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives (“Historic Tax Credits”) which provide tax incentives to encourage the private sector to rehabilitate historic buildings to create moderate and low-income housing in historic buildings; and
New Market Tax Credits (“NMTC”) program which provide tax incentives for making equity investments in investment vehicles known as Community Development Entities (“CDEs”).
Clients Include:
JPMorgan Chase Co. (Chase New Markets Corporation);
Renewable Ventures LLC;
The Bernstein Companies (Consortium America,LLC);
National Trust Community Investment Corporation;
AHC Community Development LLC;
Travois New Markets LLC,
Telesis Corporation,
UrbanAmerica;
RBC Capital Markets;
MMA; and
Capmark.
Credentials
The Delaware Counsel Group LLP is recognized by Chambers USA as a leading law firm in Delaware Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions law and is rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell.
The Delaware Counsel Group LLP “wins respect for its comprehensive advice, client service and acute commercial awareness of its clients’ business goals.”- Chambers USA 2009
According to Chambers USA 2009, clients praise the firm as “super responsive and knowledgeable, and have given us phenomenal advice.” One satisfied client commented: “I think the world of them – the lawyers make you feel like you’re their most important client.”
In addition, founding partner Ellisa Opstbaum Habbart was listed as one of Delaware’s top alternative entity lawyers. Ms. Habbart has received this honor each year Chambers USA has conducted the rankings for this area of law. Clients have described her as “confident, responsive and knowledgeable.” Most recently, Ms. Habbart was praised by clients for her ability to “translate” the positions and preferences of the local judiciary “into advice on the best direction for [them] to take.” Clients interviewed for past publications of the Chambers USA guide described Ms. Habbart as “an impressive individual” who “has a dynamic presence” and is “fun to work with.”
The Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business ranks lawyers based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients. It evaluates lawyers throughout the country based, in part, on extensive interviews it conducts with clients and competitors of each candidate. Chambers USA’s research methodology has been approved by the British Market Research Bureau.
The Delaware Counsel Group LLP is the only NAMWOLF certified firm providing this unique expertise in Delaware law. NAMWOLF’s thorough and detailed certification process speaks to the firm’s high level of quality of service, professionalism and expertise.
Expertise
Experience in complex Delaware transactional matters distinguishes The Delaware
Counsel Group LLP as a leading Delaware-based law firm. The firm exclusively represents Delaware corporations and alternative entities in national and international business transactions.
Clients are counseled on their responsibilities under Delaware law and advised how to maximize the advantages available under Delaware’s business statutes. Legal opinions are rendered and presentations to management are made, when necessary. The firm’s goal is to help clients accomplish their business goals while minimizing the risk of liability to their entity and its management. The firm’s clients include U.S. and international law firms, corporate legal departments and businesses such as Accenture and SunTrust Bank.
“This group specializes in advising national and international companies on the
Delaware-specific law that affects clients’ larger transactions. Particular areas of expertise include formation, authorization and enforceability issues surrounding alternative entities. Accenture, National Trust Community Investment and The Bureau of National Affairs are a few of its current notable clients.” Chambers USA 2010
Nimble in response time and big on service, The Delaware Counsel Group LLP
prides itself in the knowledge and experience of its attorneys and legal staff. The focus of its practice makes it a valuable resource by providing experienced counsel in a select area of the law. Rather than simply “growth for growth’s sake,” The firm’s philosophy embodies an “expert team” approach for clients who appreciate a relationship-based approach to legal services.
Structure Compatible with Clients’ Goals
Not constrained by a billable hour requirement, the firm’s attorneys provide personalized, hands-on expertise. They devote the time necessary to learn about their clients at the law firm’s expense. The Delaware Counsel Group LLP attorneys are actively engaged in industry organizations to deliver the level of service their clients have come to expect.
The Delaware Counsel Group LLP partners and legal staff operate as a team, providing efficient and effective representation for clients. This team approach increases productivity, value and the quality of service delivered to clients. The success of the firm’s philosophy and its approach to doing business is reflected in the loyalty of the firm’s long-standing client base.
The legal team has practiced together most of their respective careers. The firm has no lateral hires. Rather, persons who work well within the firm’s unique team concept are identified and groomed as potential members of the firm.
Cutting Edge
The Delaware Counsel Group LLP attorneys are well-recognized for their leadership in national and international organizations such as the International Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Uniform Law Commission, the Delaware Bankers Association and NAMWOLF (National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms). For years, they have participated in the drafting of business statutes on both a Delaware and national level. The firm’s attorneys have been yearly presenters for a number of industry groups. This depth of involvement provides The Delaware Counsel Group LLP clients with access to an extensive base of contacts and information.
100 South Rockland Falls Road, P. O. Box 4175, Wilmington, DE 19807 - (302) 576 - 9600
