Brian P. Forbath

Competent on complex municipal bond work, but communication could improve

I engaged Brian Forbath and his team at Stradling Yocca for a complex municipal bond issuance related to a public infrastructure project in Orange County. Given his 27 years of experience and his recognition in Public Finance and Project Finance Law by Best Lawyers, I had high expectations for the technical legal work. In that regard, Mr. Forbath delivered. His deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and his ability to navigate the intricate details of the bond documents were evident and ultimately crucial to closing the transaction. However, the experience was not without its frustrations. While the final work product was solid, there were periods during the process where communication was less than ideal. Responses to emails were sometimes delayed by several business days, and it was occasionally difficult to get a clear, proactive update on timeline adjustments. For a matter as time-sensitive as a bond closing, this created some unnecessary anxiety. His expertise in Municipal Law is undeniable, and I would not hesitate to recommend him for the legal complexity of a deal. Yet, for clients who prioritize consistent, clear communication and hands-on guidance throughout the entire engagement, the service aspect felt merely adequate. You are paying for top-tier legal analysis, but the client service experience matched a more standard level.