Claude Bailey's practice focuses on real estate development, public finance, public sector labor negotiations, local legislative and regulatory matters, and governance issues for public entities.

Prior to joining the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission, Mr. Bailey was general counsel to the Washington Convention Center Authority (WCCA). He was responsible for legal matters related to the construction and operation of that $850 million facility. He advised on matters such as procurement, ethics, historic preservation, real estate/eminent domain, community impact measures, and also compliance with Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) and First Source employment requirements. Working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Mr. Bailey developed and managed an award-winning grants program to renovate homes in the Shaw neighborhood, which is adjacent to the new convention center. In recognition of his work in promoting local, small and minority business participation in the new convention center project, he received an award from the Minority Business Coalition. Mr. Bailey also worked with the WCCA's bond counsel, as well as underwriters and financial advisors, on the issuance of $525 million in tax revenue bonds to finance the new convention center project.

In 1987, Mr. Bailey joined the D.C. Office of the Corporation Counsel, where he was responsible for the management and operation of the District of Columbia's legal office. He advised the mayor, city administrator and deputy mayors on all legal matters including litigation, procurement, real estate, and federal and local legislation. During his tenure, Mr. Bailey rose to the position of Principal Deputy Corporation Counsel and assisted the late Charles F.C. Ruff with the administration and operation of that office.

Mr. Bailey also served as legal counsel to Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly.

Significant Matters
Mr. Bailey has been the principal legal advisor on three of the most high-profile public projects in the D.C. area in the past decade, including the construction of the new Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium and the construction and operation of the Washington Convention Center and MCI Center, now known as the Verizon Center.

Since 2005 Mr. Bailey served as general counsel to the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission. He steered legal and political efforts related to the development of the new Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium. His contributions included helping select a master developer for the Ballpark District; negotiating complex lease, labor and construction administration agreements; gathering the required political and local community support; and promoting the use of local, small and minority-owned businesses by the Commission. He also advised the Commission and its mayoral appointed board on government contracts, governance issues, and assisted in negotiations between the Commission and Major League Baseball.