Overview

Anne has been practicing with Foster Swift's Administrative and Municipal Practice Group since her arrival at the firm. She currently serves as the firm President and Chair of the Executive Committee. Her entire career has focused on the representation of municipalities and public entities. Anne has extensive experience in drafting and reviewing ordinances and policies, serving as general counsel, counseling clients on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act issues, and working with communities on millage and Michigan Campaign Finance Issues. Anne also has an expertise in library law.

To promote her belief that the best legal strategy is a proactive strategy, Anne assists communities with policy drafting and adoption. She is also a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences where the educational focus is on municipal and library law. She often speaks for the Michigan Library Association, Library of Michigan and library cooperatives. 

Prior to this leadership role, Anne was the Chairperson of the Recruiting Committee and was active on the firm's Diversity Committee. Currently, she also serves as a fellow of the Michigan State Bar Association and previously served on the Advocacy Committee for JDRF West Michigan. She currently serves on the Board of the Library of Michigan Foundation and also as Treasurer for the Forest Hills Central High School Academic Boosters.

Honors & Recognition

Notable Woman in Law, Crain's Grand Rapids Business, 2024
Notable West Michigan Lawyer, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2023

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Drafting intergovernmental agreements and service contracts with other municipal entities.
  • Assisting communities with zoning issues such as drafting and amending sign ordinances and assisting townships with special use permit requests for telecommunication towers.
  • Drafting millage proposal and educating library boards regarding the application of the Michigan Campaign Finance laws.
  • Addressing board governance issues, including the application of the Open Meetings and the FOIA.
  • Successfully defend clients in FOIA cases
  • Drafting district library agreements and assisting with all aspects of the district library formation process.
  • Amending existing district library agreements, including adding participating municipalities to existing districts.
  • Assisting libraries with request for information by law enforcement agencies and private entities, including the application of the Library Privacy Act and Patriot Act.

Affiliations

Memberships & Affiliations

Legal Affiliations:
  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • American Bar Association
  • Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation  
Industry & Professional Associations:
  • Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, Member
  • Library of Michigan Foundation, Member
  • Forest Hills Central High School Academic Boosters, Treasurer

News & Resources

Publications

Videos

Education

University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 1996

University of Michigan, B.A., 1993

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
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