Courtney Gabbara Agrusa

Courtney Gabbara Agrusa is a municipal attorney in Foster Swift’s Southfield office whose practice is dedicated to serving Michigan counties, cities, villages, townships, and other public entities. Since beginning her legal career, Courtney has focused exclusively on municipal law, developing a practical understanding of the legal, operational, and political challenges local governments face.

Courtney’s practice includes the following areas:

Municipal Law

Drawing on her experience in a local City Attorney’s office, her nearly six years at a boutique municipal law firm, her service as an Interim City Clerk, and her work at Foster Swift, Courtney provides comprehensive counsel on a wide range of local government matters. She advises clients on governance, ordinances, elections, zoning and planning, taxes and special assessments, public safety, code enforcement, public works, environmental issues, civil rights matters, and the drafting and negotiation of contracts. She regularly attends council, commission, and board meetings and serves as a trusted advisor to elected officials, administrators, and department leaders.

Courtney is known for her collaborative and practical approach. She works closely with municipal officials and staff to understand their goals, navigate complex legal issues, and develop solutions that support effective government operations while reducing legal risk.

Municipal Employment & Labor Law

A significant portion of Courtney’s practice is devoted to public-sector labor and employment law. She advises municipalities on employee discipline, workplace investigations, labor negotiations, grievance arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, discrimination complaints, unemployment claims, and personnel matters.

Courtney provides hands-on support throughout the employment lifecycle, including policy development, handbook revisions, disciplinary proceedings, last-chance agreements, separation agreements, and employment terminations. She frequently counsels clients on compliance with employment laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA), and the Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right-to-Know Act.

Election Law

Courtney has also developed a focused election law practice. Her experience serving as Interim City Clerk during a challenging election cycle provides valuable firsthand insight into the legal, procedural, and practical demands placed on election officials.

She regularly advises municipalities and clerks on election administration, recalls, recounts, ballot-related issues, and election-related disputes. Courtney also works proactively with clients before election cycles to identify potential issues, ensure legal compliance, and minimize risk. When disputes arise, she represents municipalities in recall appeals, recount proceedings, and other election-related matters.

Jurisprudence Achievement Award, Michigan State University College of Law, (2012)

Legal Affiliations:

• State Bar of Michigan
  • Government Law Section
  • Insurance and Indemnity Law Section
  • Labor and Employment Law Section
  • Municipal Law Committee
• Oakland County Bar Association
  • Member
• Chaldean American Bar Association
  • Member (2017-Present)
• Michigan State University College of Law Alumni Association
  • President (2022-2025)
  • Vice President (2019-2022)
• Board of Directors, Ms. JD
  • Board Member (2011-2015)
• Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
  • Member (2021-Present)