What We Do For You
We help clients move their projects and businesses forward. For many businesses and local entrepreneurs, these issues can determine whether they are able to open, expand, or sustain their operations. At our core, we help small businesses succeed. Our Government Affairs practice often involves securing approvals for land use, zoning, or development; advising municipalities and government boards on their authority; and representing clients in disputes with local, state, and federal agencies. We assist with permit and license approvals, administrative hearings, appeals of agency decisions, and compliance with environmental, transportation, and public service regulations.
We have substantial experience representing both governmental agencies and clients before administrative and governmental bodies. Our attorneys serve as the Solicitor for the City of Lewes and the Town of Henlopen Acres, the City of Seaford, and the Town of Fenwick Island and frequently serve as counsel to the City of Dover, Town of Georgetown, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Greenwood. Serving as advisors to governmental agencies provides us with insight that uniquely qualifies us to represent clients in administrative proceedings. We have appeared before many federal and state agencies on a variety of matters.
Who We Serve
Some of the administrative and governmental bodies our lawyers have represented clients before include the following:
Government Bodies
- Kent County Levy Court
- Kent County Regional Planning Commission
- Kent County Board of Adjustment
- Sussex County Council
- Sussex County Planning Commission
- Sussex County Board of Adjustment
- Sussex Conservation District
- Smyrna Town Council
- City of Dover City Council
- City of Dover Planning Commission
- City of Dover Board of Adjustment
- Town of Dewey Beach Town Council
- Town of Dewey Beach Planning Commission
- Town of Dewey Beach Board of Adjustment
- Milton Town Council
- Bethany Beach Town Council
- Bowers Beach Board of Adjustment
- Frederica Town Council
- Georgetown Planning Commission
Administrative Agencies
- United States Department of Commerce
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
- United States Copyright Office
- United States Department of Transportation
- Federal Highway Administration
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)
- Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)
- Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC)
- Delaware Health Resources Board
- Delaware Public Service Commission
- Delaware Attorney General’s Office
- Delaware Public Integrity Commission
- Delaware Real Estate Commission
- Delaware Environmental Appeals Board
Why Hire BMF
Our legal team has the experience and insight to guide clients through even the most complex administrative matters. We bring a rare dual perspective having served as counsel to governmental agencies as well as private clients, which gives us a clear understanding of how decisions are made and how to navigate the process effectively.
This perspective, combined with strong relationships at the local, state, and federal levels, allows us to anticipate challenges, craft practical strategies, and deliver results. Our attorneys have also been recognized among the best in Delaware, with managing partner Glenn Mandalas named Top Lawyer in Delaware Today for Government Affairs and Land Use since 2018. Additionally, Partner John Paradee has been recognized for 16 consecutive years in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use by Chambers USA and was recently named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers. He has also been named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers and the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America. He has also earned honors including recognition as a Top Lawyer in Delaware Today for Land Use since 2015, as well as listings in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
