Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Public Finance and Corporate Law
McKennon Shelton & Henn is a distinguished law firm dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services with a client-centric philosophy. Founded in 2002 by former partners of Piper & Marbury's public finance department, the firm combines over 200 years of collective legal expertise with a commitment to innovation and excellence. Specializing in public finance, corporate and securities law, nonprofit organizations, and tax compliance, the firm serves a diverse clientele including state governments, corporations, banks, and nonprofit institutions. Recognized nationally for its expertise, the firm has consistently ranked among the top bond counsel firms in the U.S. by The Bond Buyer. Its attorneys bring 'big firm' training and experience to complex transactions while maintaining cost-effective, personalized representation.The firm holds Minority Business Enterprise certification through the Maryland Department of Transportation, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion. With offices in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., McKennon Shelton & Henn provides tailored legal solutions grounded in deep industry knowledge and a dedication to client success. The firm's attorneys have represented the State of Maryland and its authorities for decades, establishing a reputation for resolving challenging legal issues with professionalism and integrity. Their practice spans commercial lending, project development, and corporate transactions, serving businesses of all sizes. This combination of experience, specialization, and community engagement positions the firm as a trusted legal partner for clients seeking high-quality representation.
Services
Public Finance
Corporate Law
Nonprofit Organizations
Tax Compliance
Commercial Lending
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We have over 200 years of combined legal experience in complex financial transactions.
- Our firm is nationally ranked by The Bond Buyer for bond counsel services.
- We maintain Minority Business Enterprise certification through Maryland's MBE Program.
- Our attorneys combine 'big firm' expertise with personalized client service.
- We serve as bond counsel for the State of Maryland and its authorities.
Associations and certifications
- Maryland Department of Transportation's Minority Business Enterprise Program
What people say
Top ten firm
Excellent service
Committed to excellence
Nationally recognized
Successful outcomes
Services
Public Finance
Our public finance practice handles sophisticated municipal transactions including tax-exempt bonds and government securities. We represent state authorities and political subdivisions in complex financings. Our attorneys have closed billions in competitive bond issues while maintaining strict IRS compliance standards.
Corporate Law
We provide comprehensive corporate legal services for public and private companies. Our practice includes mergers and acquisitions, securities compliance, and corporate governance. We advise businesses on financial transactions and regulatory matters while maintaining cost-effective representation.
Nonprofit Organizations
The firm specializes in legal matters for nonprofit and faith-based organizations. We handle tax-exempt status applications, governance issues, and compliance matters. Our attorneys have extensive experience with 501(c)(3) organizations and charitable foundations.
Tax Compliance
Our tax compliance practice focuses on post-issuance requirements for tax-advantaged bonds. We help clients navigate IRS regulations and remedial actions. The team includes nationally recognized experts in federal tax laws for municipal securities.
Commercial Lending
We represent banks and institutional lenders in commercial financing transactions. Our services include loan documentation, collateral agreements, and regulatory compliance. The firm has extensive experience with complex lending arrangements for public and private borrowers.
People
Paul D. Shelton
Managing Partner
Paul Shelton leads the firm's finance and project development practice. With expertise in corporate transactions and public finance, he provides strategic legal counsel to government entities and private sector clients across multiple industries.
William L. Henn, Jr.
Partner
Bill Henn specializes in federal tax laws for tax-exempt bonds. He advises clients on compliance matters and represents issuers in complex municipal finance transactions with decades of experience in government securities.
Sulee Clay
Managing Partner, DC Office
Sulee Clay chairs the Corporate Group and oversees the Washington, D.C. office. With 16+ years of experience, she provides corporate legal counsel to businesses and represents clients in complex financial transactions.
Kimberly C. Betterton
Partner
Kimberly Betterton is a nationally recognized tax law expert. She advises clients on tax-advantaged transactions including governmental bonds and 501(c)(3) obligations, with particular expertise in post-issuance compliance matters.
CJ Santos
Partner
CJ Santos focuses on public finance transactions with extensive experience in municipal securities. He represents clients in bond issuances and compliance matters, bringing specialized knowledge to complex government financing arrangements.
Questions
What practice areas does McKennon Shelton & Henn specialize in?
We specialize in public finance, corporate law, nonprofit organizations, tax compliance, and commercial lending. Our attorneys have deep expertise in municipal securities and government transactions.
Is the firm certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, we are certified as a Minority Business Enterprise through the Maryland Department of Transportation's MBE Program, reaffirmed in September 2012.
What community involvement does the firm have?
Our attorneys and staff actively support Baltimore-area nonprofits through legal counsel, volunteer work, and financial contributions, reflecting our commitment to community service.
Where are the firm's offices located?
We have offices at 401 East Pratt Street, Suite 2600 in Baltimore, MD and 100 M Street, SE, Suite 600 in Washington, D.C.
