Practice Areas
Education
University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 1996
University of Michigan, B.A., 1993
Bar and 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
Anne M. Seurynck
Anne, a shareholder, has been practicing with Foster Swift's Administrative and Municipal Practice Group since her arrival at the firm in 1996. Anne's entire career has focused on the representation of libraries, municipalities and other public entities. Her work includes assisting communities in forming libraries, interpreting the unique library laws, understanding specific privacy laws and developing policies such as patron behavior and internet use. She has guided libraries with requests for information by law enforcement agencies and private entities, including the application of the Library Privacy Act and Patriot Act. Anne also has extensive experience in drafting and reviewing ordinances, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act issues.
To promote her belief that the best legal strategy is a proactive strategy, Anne is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences where the educational focus is on municipal law or library law.
Anne is also the chair of the firm's Recruitment of Professional Employees (ROPE) Committee. This group is responsible for identifying the firm's need for associate attorneys as well as interviewing and hiring qualified individuals for available positions. Prior to this leadership role, Anne was active on the firm's Diversity Committee. Currently, she also serves as a fellow of the Michigan State Bar Association.
Representative Matters
- 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.
- 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 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
- Successfully defend clients in FOIA cases.
- Assisting libraries with request for information by law enforcement agencies and private entities, including the application of the Library Privacy Act and Patriot Act.
Speaking Engagements
- Webinar Series for New Municipal Officials
- Back to the Basics: OMA & FOIA, Michigan Municipal League, Training Week, April 24, 2013
- Fielding Questions on the Front Lines, Michigan Library Association, Spring Institute, Panel Discussion, April 12, 2013
- WEBINAR | Guns and the Library, Foster Swift Webinar in conjunction with the Michigan Cooperative Directors Association, March 19, 2013
- WEBINAR | Avoid Common Freedom of Information Act Mistakes, Foster Swift Webinar Series for New Municipal Officials, March 14, 2013
- The Case for Sharing Libraries, Recreation and Other Public Services, Michigan Association of CPAs, Local Government Summit on Efficiency Creation and Cost Savings, February 28, 2013
Publications
- Michigan Library Laws Handbook 2013 edition, May 2013
- Road Commission Law Quarterly Review, April 2013
- Dealing with Employment Issues and Complying with the Open Meetings Act, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, March 2013
- New Notice Requirements Added to the Open Meetings Act, Foster Swift Municipal Law Bulletin, January 10, 2013
- New Law Mandates That Municipalities’ Election Commission Must Appoint A Receiving Board, Foster Swift Municipal Law Bulletin, October 4, 2012
- New FOIA Bill Introduced – HB 5879, Foster Swift Municipal Law Bulletin, September 19, 2012
Memberships & Affiliations
Legal Affiliations:
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- State Bar of Michigan
- American Bar Association
- Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
