Austin C. Root

Austin Root is a principal in Miller Canfield's Public Finance Group. He serves as bond counsel and disclosure counsel to various governmental entities across Illinois, including school districts, cities, villages, counties, park districts, and special districts. Additionally, Austin acts as underwriter's counsel for multiple municipal bond underwriters.

Austin's expertise encompasses a wide range of municipal finance transactions, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, special service area bonds, tax increment bonds, industrial development revenue bonds, and Section 501(c)(3) revenue bonds. He also provides counsel to both public and private entities on municipal and state governmental matters, including tax increment financing, special service areas, contract procurement, and cannabis licensing. Notably, he recently assisted two social equity recreational cannabis applicants in securing dispensary licenses.

Austin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of South Carolina, with a major in finance and a minor in economics. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he served as Managing Editor of the Illinois Business Law Journal and participated in the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition.

Austin is licensed to practice law in Illinois. He is an active participant in professional organizations such as the National Association of Bond Lawyers and the Illinois Tax Increment Association, where he serves on the Planning Committee.

Austin has been recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch in Public Finance Law and Municipal Law, and he has been named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star multiple times. He frequently shares his knowledge at industry events, speaking on topics related to municipal finance and economic development.