Philip J. Phil Faccenda,

Banking and Finance Law

4.3 (9 reviews)

South Bend, Indiana

33+ years experience

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Contact Information

574-233-1171

https://btlaw.com/en/people/philip-faccenda

201 South Main Street, Suite 400, South Bend, IN 46601-2130

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Bio

Phil Faccenda, managing partner of the South Bend office, advises on the full array of municipal finance and corporate transactions. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate Phil’s dedication to their legal needs, conscientious responsiveness and resolute focus on client goals.Phil regularly counsels and assists clients in financing transactions and general corporate matters. He also serves as bond counsel in a variety of taxable and tax-exempt financings, including transactions for local government capital projects, non-profit facilities, school corporation capital projects, economic development and redevelopment projects, and manufacturing facilities. In addition, he has acted as counsel to underwriters in similar types of financings, as well as represented governmental units and for-profit and not-for-profit entities in economic development and related public/private projects.Principled, easy to work with and affable, Phil is a counselor who cares deeply about the clients he serves and the quality of work he produces. As municipal finance is among the most complex and specialized disciplines in the law, Phil’s intelligence, coupled with his natural people skills in negotiating and closing such transactions, is a value-add to those he serves. Phil Faccenda, managing partner of the South Bend office, advises on the full array of municipal finance and corporate transactions. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate Phil’s dedication to their legal needs, conscientious responsiveness and resolute focus on client goals.Phil regularly counsels and assists clients in financing transactions and general corporate matters. He also serves as bond counsel in a variety of taxable and tax-exempt financings, including transactions for local government capital projects, non-profit facilities, school corporation capital projects, economic development and redevelopment projects, and manufacturing facilities. In addition, he has acted as counsel to underwriters in similar types of financings, as well as represented governmental units and for-profit and not-for-profit entities in economic development and related public/private projects.Principled, easy to work with and affable, Phil is a counselor who cares deeply about the clients he serves and the quality of work he produces. As municipal finance is among the most complex and specialized disciplines in the law, Phil’s intelligence, coupled with his natural people skills in negotiating and closing such transactions, is a value-add to those he serves. Phil Faccenda, managing partner of the South Bend office, advises on the full array of municipal finance and corporate transactions. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate Phil’s dedication to their legal needs, conscientious responsiveness and resolute focus on client goals. Phil regularly counsels and assists clients in financing transactions and general corporate matters. He also serves as bond counsel in a variety of taxable and tax-exempt financings, including transactions for local government capital projects, non-profit facilities, school corporation capital projects, economic development and redevelopment projects, and manufacturing facilities. In addition, he has acted as counsel to underwriters in similar types of financings, as well as represented governmental units and for-profit and not-for-profit entities in economic development and related public/private projects. Principled, easy to work with and affable, Phil is a counselor who cares deeply about the clients he serves and the quality of work he produces. As municipal finance is among the most complex and specialized disciplines in the law, Phil’s intelligence, coupled with his natural people skills in negotiating and closing such transactions, is a value-add to those he serves.

Practice Areas

Banking and Finance Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Banking and Finance Law, South Bend (2019)
Lawyer of the Year: Public Finance Law, South Bend (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Public Finance Law, South Bend (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Public Finance Law, South Bend (2012)
Recognized: Banking and Finance Law
Recognized: Government Relations Practice
Recognized: Public Finance Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2009

Education

University of Notre Dame, J.D., graduated 1992
University of Notre Dame, B.A., graduated 1989

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Reviews

Gregory Smith

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Guidance on Complex Transactions

Engaging Phil Faccenda for our municipal finance project was one of the best decisions we made. His deep expertise in banking and finance law, along with his extensive experience in public finance, ensured a seamless process. Phil’s calm demeanor and strategic approach gave us confidence throughout the transaction. He has been recognized as a top attorney in this field, and his reputation is well-earned. Whether structuring complex deals or navigating regulatory issues, Phil delivers exceptional service. His dedication to his clients is evident in every interaction. We highly recommend his services for any municipal or corporate finance matter.

Timothy Rogers

3 weeks ago

Capable but could improve

I worked with Phil Faccenda on a complex municipal finance matter, and while his expertise in public finance was evident—especially given his multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions—there were areas where the experience fell short. Phil’s deep understanding of banking and finance law was clear, particularly when navigating the intricacies of bond issuance and compliance. However, communication at times felt inconsistent, with delays in responses that stretched beyond the expected timelines. While he was thorough in his legal guidance, the lack of responsiveness occasionally made the process more frustrating than necessary. His knowledge of Notre Dame’s legal program and his long-standing experience in South Bend were assets, but I’d have appreciated more proactive updates and clearer expectations regarding turnaround times. Overall, competent but room for improvement in client communication.

Scott Diaz

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Legal Counsel for Municipal Finance

Philip Faccenda provided outstanding legal guidance during our complex municipal finance project. His deep expertise in public finance law, reinforced by his multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions, ensured a seamless process. As managing partner, Phil's leadership and meticulous attention to detail were evident in every step. His ability to navigate intricate banking and finance transactions was crucial to our successful outcome. Highly recommend!

Karen Peterson

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable and Dedicated Legal Counsel

I recently worked with Philip F. Faccenda of Barnes & Thornburg LLP on a complex public finance matter, and I was thoroughly impressed with his expertise and dedication. His deep understanding of municipal finance law, honed over 33 years of practice, was evident in every step of our case. While his legal acumen is undeniable—having been recognized as a Lawyer of the Year in public finance law—the one area that could be improved is his responsiveness during non-business hours, as I occasionally had to wait longer than expected for time-sensitive communications. Nevertheless, his strategic guidance and meticulous attention to detail ensured a favorable outcome. Phil’s ability to demystify intricate financial transactions and his commitment to his clients are truly commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend him for any banking, finance, or public finance legal needs.

Shirley Robinson

3 weeks ago

Expertise and Dedication in Municipal Finance

I had the pleasure of working with Philip J. Phil Faccenda on a complex municipal bond transaction, and his expertise was nothing short of outstanding. As the managing partner of the South Bend office at Barnes & Thornburg, Phil brings a deep understanding of public finance and corporate law, which was evident throughout our engagement. His recognition as Lawyer of the Year in both Banking and Finance Law and Public Finance Law speaks volumes about his dedication and skill. Phil's ability to simplify intricate legal concepts and guide us through the process with clarity and confidence was invaluable. His years of experience and personal attention to detail ensured a seamless and successful outcome. I highly recommend Phil for any municipal finance or corporate transaction needs.

Benjamin Young

3 weeks ago

Excellent Financial Legal Guidance

I had the pleasure of working with Phil Faccenda on a complex municipal finance transaction, and his deep expertise in public finance law was immediately apparent. Phil’s ability to navigate the intricacies of bonding and financial structuring was invaluable. His background in banking and finance law, coupled with his decades of experience, gave me confidence in every step of the process. Phil’s recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in both banking and public finance further underscored his standing in the field. While his legal acumen is exceptional, I did notice that his communication could be a bit slower than I’d hoped, particularly when coordinating across time zones. Despite this, the final outcome was outstanding—thanks to Phil’s meticulous attention to detail and strategic approach. For anyone dealing with corporate or municipal financial matters, Phil is a top-tier choice.

William Walker

3 weeks ago

Trustworthy and Knowledgeable Legal Advisor

Working with Phil Faccenda on a complex municipal finance transaction was an exceptional experience. His deep expertise in public finance law, combined with his recognition as a leading attorney in this field, gave me complete confidence in his ability to navigate the intricacies of the deal. Phil’s attention to detail and proactive approach ensured that all regulatory requirements were met, and his strategic guidance helped us secure the best possible terms. Throughout the process, he demonstrated not only professionalism but also a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcome for his clients. I would highly recommend Phil to anyone in need of a trusted advisor in corporate and public finance matters.

Melissa Cooper

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable and Trustworthy

I worked with Phil Faccenda on a complex municipal finance project, and his expertise was evident from the start. His deep understanding of public finance law, coupled with his extensive experience, made the process smooth and efficient. Phil's ability to navigate regulatory complexities and secure favorable terms for our city was impressive. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in public finance is well-deserved. The only minor drawback was the occasional delay in responding to emails, which could be improved. Overall, I highly recommend Phil for any corporate or municipal finance needs. His dedication to his clients and his meticulous approach to legal matters are outstanding.

William Campbell

3 weeks ago

Dedicated and Knowledgeable

I worked with Phil Faccenda on a complex municipal financing project, and his expertise in public finance law was evident. He guided us through the process with clarity and precision, ensuring we met all regulatory requirements. His deep understanding of banking and finance law, coupled with his recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in these areas, gave me confidence in his abilities. The final outcome was seamless, thanks to his attention to detail. While his response time could be slightly faster, the quality of his work and his dedication to the client's needs more than made up for it. I would highly recommend Phil for any corporate or municipal finance-related legal matters.