Along with the financial advisor, the bond counsel is an integral part of the issuer’s financing team. The bond counsel looks at legal issues related to a bond issue and subsequently gives a legal opinion. The opinion generally confirms that the issuer is legally authorized to issue the bonds, that the bond issue is a legally binding obligation, and, in the case of tax-exempt bonds, that the bond interest is indeed exempt from specified taxes. The opinion does not address the issuer’s creditworthiness. The bond counsel may also draft or review various documentation, including bond contracts and official statements.
