As bond counsel to counties, cities, towns, school corporations and other governmental entities, Rick advises on the financing of local infrastructure projects. He also represents hospitals, retirement communities and other nonprofit organizations in obtaining tax-exempt financing. Rick, who is chair of the Government Services and Finance Department, serves as underwriter's, credit provider's and issuer's counsel and is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in public finance law.
Notably, Rick is counsel to the Indiana Association of County Commissioners and advises public clients on other general governmental issues. Rick has drafted and lobbied the Indiana General Assembly on behalf of various types of legislation affecting local government. Moreover, Rick counsels businesses with respect to state and local government incentives for economic development projects. Such incentives have included, among others, industrial revenue bonds, economic development income tax revenue bonds, tax increment finance bonds and tax abatement.
As Indiana is currently a hotbed of economic development, Rick focuses on remaining at the forefront of the state’s most important initiatives. Notably, he represented Infosys in the largest economic development deal in the history of Indiana valued at over $100 million in incentives. Rick feels a sense of purpose when closing major economic development transactions, including the development of many of the existing windfarms in the state. Over the last several decades, Rick has also worked on economic development projects including the negotiation and implementation of incentive packages for new automotive manufacturing plants by several of the largest automotive brands in the world.
Rick is personally vested in helping his clients to succeed because he feels that their objectives parallel the advancement of Indiana as a whole. In order to serve those around him in the most productive way possible, Rick makes an effort to continuously cultivate important relationships and remain connected with statewide elected officials, leadership and government professionals, as well as individuals who want to make a difference for Indiana and care as much as he does.
Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Rick worked for former U.S. Senator Rick G. Lugar. In 1989, he was the captain of Ball State University’s nationally ranked basketball team and was the only male student-athlete in the nation to receive a Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship for academic excellence, athletic achievement and commitment to public service from the NCAA. Rick was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs.
公司法律师
Professional and Community Involvement
Chair, Ball State University Board of Trustees
Honors
The Best Lawyers in America, 2012-2024