COLUMBIA, S.C. - eTradeWire -- Pope Flynn, a law firm concentrating in public finance and governmental law, has expanded to Georgia, adding an office in Athens and broadening its Southeastern presence. The new office in Athens will be led by Georgia public finance attorney James Woodward, whose career spans more than 25 years of public finance law representing counties, cities, school districts, authorities, hospitals, private companies, non-profit schools, trustee banks, lending institutions and investment banks throughout the State of Georgia.

"When I first started as a lawyer I knew I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps and pursue public finance," said James Woodward. "He practiced over 35 years as a bond lawyer in Georgia, so he was a great mentor and resource for me. He taught me everything that I know. 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. I enjoy working as a team where we can share ideas and solve problems together. My dad had worked with the firm's founder, Margaret Pope, and it felt like a natural fit for me."

Woodward began his career at Alston & Bird, a large international law firm where he worked as an associate in public finance, then moved to Miller & Martin, where he became partner. He has spent the last 13 years as a partner with Georgia firm Gray Pannell & Woodward. In 2015, Governor Deal appointed Woodward to the inaugural Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Guidelines Committee (Public Private Partnerships).

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"We are thrilled that Jim has joined us," said Joe Lucas, managing member of Pope Flynn. "Since the firm's founding in 2008, our growth has been driven by the addition of outstanding professionals, and Jim and his team in Athens are a perfect fit."

"I am looking forward to working with Jim," said Gary Pope, member of Pope Flynn. "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. I am particularly happy that we have expanded our headcount and footprint without losing focus on our core public finance and governmental practices. We are honored to have Jim and his team with us."

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

Visit Pope Flynn at https://www.popeflynn.com.