Ferhan Hamid’s practice is concentrated on public finance and government affairs. Mr. Hamid also has a broad range of experience in infrastructure-related public-private partnerships. He has worked on both the business and legal side of the capital markets and government, giving him a unique perspective into the needs of his clients.
Mr. Hamid was previously Director of Government Affairs for Primum Public Realty Trust, a subsidiary of FBR Capital Markets, focused on public-private partnerships in real estate. While at FBR, Mr. Hamid also served as Director of FBR Investment Management, where he developed and evaluated new strategies for equity funds, hedge funds, and externally managed businesses.
Mr. Hamid was a top aide to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, serving as Managing Deputy Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller, and Assistant Comptroller for the City of Chicago. Mr. Hamid was a senior member of the City’s finance team in the successful long-term lease of the Chicago Skyway, the first concession-sale of a toll road to a private operator in the U.S.; the City’s long-term lease of the Downtown Public Parking System; and the potential privatization of Midway International Airport. He also participated in innovative lease transactions and other alternative financings undertaken by the City.
Mr. Hamid managed a $375 million budget and twice negotiated a new benefits package with 43 labor unions. He was also the City official with responsibility for the $2.5 billion deferred compensation retirement plan and chaired the Joint Labor- Management Committee on Health.
Prior to joining Chicago’s City Hall, Mr. Hamid served as Counsel to the Chicago Park District, where he drafted and negotiated dozens of complex transactions, including concession agreements and lease agreements. In addition, Mr. Hamid served as issuer’s counsel on numerous public finance transactions including parking revenue bonds, tax anticipation warrants, and general obligation bonds.
Mr. Hamid previously served as Assistant Illinois Attorney General, concentrating on state and local tax and bankruptcy-related matters. He holds a B.A. with honors in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. Mr. Hamid is admitted to practice in Illinois and the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Recent Representative Transactions:
- Dormitory Authority of State of New York, Service Contract Revenue Refunding
- Dormitory Authority of State of New York, QSZC Bonds
- City of Philadelphia, Tax Anticipation Notes
- City of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Local Government Loan Program
- State of Illinois, General Obligation Bond Refunding
- Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
CORPORATE & TRANSACTIONAL, PUBLIC FINANCE & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
