Dia K. Walrath

My focus

My practice focuses on assisting states, cities, counties, school districts, airport authorities, transportation authorities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits achieve their refunding and capital improvement financing needs. I serve issuers and borrowers by drafting legal documents for general obligation bonds, certificates of participation, commercial paper, and lease revenue bonds. I also conduct due diligence analyses and advise clients in securities law disclosure compliance. I’ve assisted in securing voter approval for bond issuances to finance educational projects. I also work on a variety of innovative offerings, including the financing of a project that repurposes rice straw to produce medium density fiberboard for manufacturing, as well as a program utilizing a tax credit to address homelessness and mental illness in the state of California. Once our work is complete and projects are underway, I am energized by the direct positive impacts I see in my community.

Looking ahead

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge the municipal market, an issuer’s financial condition and projections will face increased scrutiny. I look forward to working closely with my clients in evaluating alternative financing and borrowing mechanisms to achieve their goals and crafting clear, accurate disclosures to keep investors properly informed.

Insights

• “Finding a balance: Ethics around social media for attorneys,” Nixon Peabody Annual MCLE Seminar, San Francisco, January 2018