Laura Bassett counsels Michigan local governments and school districts on tax-exempt and taxable financings, including debt issued in connection with capital project financing, refinancing, cash flow borrowings, pooled financings and intergovernmental and public-private collaborations. She advises numerous Michigan county drain commissioners and other issuers of bonds to finance drainage systems and water and sewer system improvements. Her public law experience also includes advising clients on election and campaign finance laws and open meeting and procedural matters.
Education & Credentials
Education
Kalamazoo College
B.A., Art History, 1992- magna cum laude, with honors; Phi Beta Kappa
University of Michigan
Ph.D., History of Art, 2003- Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands for doctoral research, 1999-2000
Wayne State University Law School
J.D., 2008; cum laudeBar Admission
Acknowledgements
- DBusiness Magazine
- "Top Lawyers," Public Finance Law, 2021-2023
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- "Rising Star," Bonds/Government Finance, 2013-2015
Professional Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan, Government Law Section, Member
- Michigan Women in Finance, Board of Directors 2012-2017, Executive Committee 2014-2017
Community Involvement
- Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Board of Directors, 2019-present
- The Heidelberg Project, Detroit, Honorary Advisory Board Member, 2017-present
- The Heidelberg Project, Detroit, Board of Directors 2007-2015, Board President, 2013-2015
- Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan and Michigan Nonprofit Association, Strategic Alliance, Advisory Board, 2010
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
Publications/Presentations
- Tax Increment Financing as a Tool for Redevelopment: Attracting Private Investment to Serve a Public Purpose—The Example of Michigan”, The Urban Lawyer, Vol. 41, No. 34, Fall 2009
- Takings in the Big Picture: The Impact of Prop. 4’s Eminent Domain Restrictions on Urban Redevelopment in Michigan”, 53 Wayne L. Rev. 899 (2007)
- School Legal Update, Start&Spaces Leadership Services, Inc. & Michigan Association of School Administrators Success Start Kick-Off, Lansing, Michigan, 2015 and 2016
- Regional Collaboration, Michigan Municipal League Elected Officials Academy Core Weekender, Frankenmuth, Michigan, 2014
- The Latest in School Reform, Michigan School Business Officials Conference, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2013