Responsive, experienced public finance counsel
Rebecca Speckhard dedicates her practice to municipal and governmental finance. A leader of the go-to team in Wisconsin for public finance, advising government bodies of all sizes, she serves as:
- Bond counsel
- Underwriter's counsel
- Issuer's counsel
Whether advising on a complex structured financing for a state level issuer or a straightforward financing for a local municipal construction project, Rebecca combines a meticulous attention to detail with a responsive, user-friendly and efficient approach to helping clients achieve their financing needs. She previously served as national chair of the Quarles Public Finance Group.
Experience in Action
- Serving as bond counsel on hundreds of municipal financings in Wisconsin, including general obligation bonds and promissory notes, public utility revenue bonds, bond anticipation notes and special assessment bonds.
- Serving as bond counsel on the State of Wisconsin Transportation Revenue Bond, General Fund Annual Appropriation Bond and Operating Note Programs.
- Serving as bond counsel on dozens of community development authority and redevelopment authority lease revenue bond financings and related tax incremental financing and development agreement advice.
- Advising and assisting municipalities with the creation of tax incremental districts.
- Serving as bond counsel on Clean Water Fund, Safe Drinking Water and Land Recycling Loan financings.
- Serving as underwriter’s counsel to broker-dealers underwriting governmental financings.
- Serving as issuer’s counsel to governmental entities undertaking financings for the benefit of private companies and nonprofit entities.
Capabilities
Professional Recognitions
- Best Lawyers in America® "Lawyer of the Year" (2020, 2024: Project Finance Law)
- Best Lawyers in America® (2007-present: Public Finance Law / Project Finance Law)
- Wisconsin Super Lawyers® (2005-2008: Public Finance)
- Best Lawyers in America® "Lawyer of the Year" (2022: Public Finance Law)
Professional & Civic Activities
- State Bar of Wisconsin, member
- National Association of Bond Lawyers, member
- Milwaukee Bar Association, co-chair, Government Law Section (2007–2008)
- American College of Bond Counsel, fellow (2009)
News & Insights
Education
- University of Wisconsin Law School (J.D., 1990)
- Order of the Coif
- Phi Beta Kappa
- University of Wisconsin - Madison (B.A., 1986)
Bar Admissions
- Wisconsin
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 1990