Marybeth Frantz Orsini has joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in the firm’s public finance group.
Frantz is an attorney who focuses on federal tax law with an emphasis on tax-exempt financings, firm Chair Mark Stewart said in a press release.
Frantz will be based in the firm’s Baltimore office and will handle financings for government, solid waste, manufacturing, and industrial development projects, as well as for not-for-profits in the health care and education sectors. She also is known for her work on bond issues for multifamily housing projects and special districts.
“Our financing practices have expanded significantly over the past several years across key industries, including transportation and social infrastructure,” Stewart said. “Marybeth will help us meet growing, national client demand for tax support. She’s a terrific fit for our business and our culture. We’re thrilled to welcome her.”
Frantz has experience with tax-exemption requests and corporate tax matters as well. In the past, she has represented government entities and businesses in audits before the IRS and state tax authorities. She has served as an attorney in the tax-exempt bond branch at the IRS Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), where she drafted published guidance, private letter rulings, and technical advice.
“I have worked with Ballard attorneys on a number of transactions and — like so many others in the industry — I have the highest regard for them, both personally and professionally,” Frantz said. “The firm’s national platform will enable me to expand my practice, and I look forward to adding my own skills and experience to the team.”
Ballard Spahr’s Public Finance practice has participated in more than $1 trillion of tax-exempt obligations. Its 50-plus attorneys have sat on every side of the negotiating table and worked in every U.S. state and territory. It was named National Firm of the Year for Public Finance by U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers.
“Marybeth is a fantastic addition to the tax team,” said Emilie R. Ninan, co-chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Department. “She has worked at the IRS, knows how the guidance is written, and shares the Ballard practice philosophy — prioritize the client’s goals and find practical, strategic, efficient ways to reach them.”
