Baird, Lightner, Millsap & Harpool, P.C. has in-depth experience working state and municipal government issues across the state of Missouri. Our legal professionals offer clients the insight that comes from having worked and served in governance for decades. We have built our reputation as a strong, strategic ally in our client’s efforts in public policy work and all manner of cases involving municipalities.

Baird, Lightner, Millsap & Harpool’s attorneys have served in the Missouri House of Representatives and have worked as general counsel advising elected and appointed officials. We have represented counties, cities, municipalities, townships, school districts, police departments, governmental agencies, as well as individual employees of state and local agencies on a variety of matters. Some of the issues we have helped our clients address include: preparation of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NID), Community Improvement Districts (CID), Transportation Development Districts (TDD) and Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

In recent years, the number of lawsuits against municipalities, counties and other government agencies has increased significantly. As a result, this firm has a dedicated practice group focused on representing governments and related agencies to avoid liability and successfully defend lawsuits.    
Government entities, like any other business, face issues relating to employment and personnel matters, contract disputes, real estate transactions, and intellectual property protections. Municipalities also face unique challenges arising from the passage and enforcement of laws, prosecution and incarceration of criminals, regulation and management of public utilities, and construction and maintenance of roads.   

Our attorneys have successfully defended lawsuits against municipalities’ and their employees for malicious prosecution, excessive force, wrongful condemnation, premises liability, defamation, equal protection, due process and other constitutional violations, failure to provide necessary services, wrongful termination, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, race and age discrimination, and violations of ADA, ADEA, FMLA, MCHR, and Title VII. 
BLMH also offers consulting and educational services to state and local agencies and their employees, managers and public officials in an effort to reduce the potential for litigation.