Law firm Pope Flynn expands to Georgia

Public finance and government law firm Pope Flynn expanded its practice to Georgia and hired public finance attorney James Woodward to lead the office.

The new Athens office is also staffed with a junior level attorney and a paralegal.

Woodward has more than 25 years of experience representing counties, cities, school districts, authorities, hospitals, private companies, non-profit schools, trustee banks, lending institutions and investment banks throughout Georgia.

"When I first started as a lawyer I knew I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps and pursue public finance," Woodward said. "He practiced over 35 years as a bond lawyer in Georgia, so he was a great mentor and resource for me."

"When Pope Flynn and I began talking, I appreciated that they are a true boutique firm in public finance ? that's something I really wanted," Woodward said. "I enjoy working as a team where we can share ideas and solve problems together."

Woodward previously worked at Alston & Bird, Miller & Martin and Gray Pannell & Woodward.

"We are thrilled that Jim has joined us," said Joe Lucas, managing member of Pope Flynn.

Gary Pope, member of Pope Flynn, said, "With this expansion, we have grown from three attorneys at the firm's founding to 12 and from one office in Columbia, South Carolina, to five offices covering North and South Carolina and Georgia. Having learned the nuances and followed in a parent's footsteps in public finance myself, I am delighted that we are adding Jim's background and experience, which will be an asset to our clients and to all of us at Pope Flynn."

Woodward is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia and Georgia Municipal Association.

He received a bachelor's degree from Stanford University in 1996 and a juris doctor degree from University of Virginia Law School in 1999.

Working with Woodward in Georgia is Benjamin Price, an associate attorney in public finance, and paralegal Lindsey Goth.