The needs of local government are diverse. These range from A (as in Air quality) to Z (as in Zoning) and include everything from the simplest ordinances to the most complex bond issues.
The key to successfully tackling these issues is to find the right lawyer and firm that will fit a client's needs. The right lawyer is a strong advocate, a source of good information and has the wisdom that comes with experience.
Each attorney in Foster Swift’s Administrative and Municipal Law Group has years of experience helping regulated and unregulated organizations throughout Michigan and the United States. We handle complex regulated and unregulated matters involving administrative and municipal law such as:
- Municipal Law and Litigation - the particular body of law that applies to townships and other municipalities
- Labor Relations - from bargaining to handling grievance proceedings, litigation and more
- Public Finance - experience with complex infrastructure projects throughout the nation
- Library Law - we have extensive experience in the handling of library matters as General Counsel and on a special project basis
- Environmental Issues - navigating the complexities of state and federal statutes and one of the first firms anywhere to litigate an environmental case.
- General Municipal Counsel - wide-ranging advice to and services for municipalities from drafting ordinances to assisting with election issues
- General Administrative Counsel – wide-ranging advice to and services for regulated and unregulated entities, such as telecommunications and energy and utility entities, including handling matters involving the Federal Communications Commission and the Michigan Public Service Commission
- Municipal Utility Law - providing guidance on such issues as sanitary sewers, and storm sewer and water service authorities
- Prosecution Services - efficient, economical and effective prosecution of ordinance violations including the Uniform Traffic Code and violations of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code
- Commercial litigation - advise and represent municipalities in range of litigation matters; Foster Swift is approved counsel for the Michigan Participating Plan
- Appeals - drafting and arguing appeals in all state and federal courts and administrative agencies, including occupational licensing, state construction matters and EGLE matters
Moreover, Foster Swift offers seamless access to various subject matter experts elsewhere in the firm whenever a need arises.
Economies of scale
Clients benefit from our wide range of attorneys, knowledgeable on a variety of issues. Moreover, Foster Swift boasts a database of model language, gleaned from several decades of our attorneys working with our clients. So, we are able to provide efficient counsel at any time and on any case. And while, Foster Swift benefits from the size and experience of our attorneys, our focus remains on the quality and efficiency of our service.
Our attorneys are highly regarded by peers, have a history of success in the field, and serve the needs of clients - resulting in many client relationships that span decades. Clients rely on the members of our group for practical, responsive, and informed results.
The reasons clients turn to Foster Swift vary. Whatever the matter, clients value the firm's experience, track record and our easy-to-work with demeanor.
Recent Blog Posts
- Deputy Director of LEO Issues New Emergency Rule Affecting Workers’ Compensation
- Michigan Voters Pass Two Election-Related Constitutional Amendments
- Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Election Bills Ahead of Mid-Terms
- Supreme Court Offers Additional Guidance on Sign Restrictions
- Can We Ban That Sign?
- Confusion Rises Over Census Submission Deadline
- Michigan House Bill to Require Training for All Election Challengers
- Township Clerk Arraigned After Ballot Mishap
- Michigan House Passes Election Law Reforms Addressing Reportable Conditions, Precinct Sizes, and AV Counting Boards
- Election Day 2020: Changes in Michigan Election Law
Publications & Alerts
- Distribution of Michigan’s $81M Share of Opioid Settlement to Begin, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, February 2, 2023
- Using Low-Cost DIY Legal Services: Risks Far Outweigh Benefits, Foster Swift Business & Tax Law News, January 24, 2023
- Eligible Municipalities Encouraged to Register in Historic Opioid Settlement, Foster Swift Municipal Law News E-blast, December 6, 2021
- Municipality Wind Turbine Tax Revenue at Risk as Utilities Continue to Press Tax Appeals, Municipal Law News, October 12, 2021
- MDHHS Changes Gathering Limits for Public Meetings, Municipal Law e-blast, April 1, 2021
- American Rescue Plan Act Provides Federal Funding for Michigan Local Governments, Foster Swift Municipal Law News E-blast, March 23, 2021
Events
- Property Tax Exemptions, Mid-Michigan Association of Assessing Officers, June 22, 2022
- The Who, What, When and How of Campaign Finance, Foster Swift Second Wednesday Morning Break, June 8, 2022
- Is a Social District Right for Your Township?, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 27, 2022
- What to Do with a Marijuana Initiative Referendum, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 27, 2022
- Best Practices for Townships for Complying with ADA & Fair Housing Act, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 26, 2022
- Small Box Discount Retailers & Big Dollar Zoning Issues, Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference, April 26, 2022
- The Latest on Marihuana in Michigan, Michigan Municipal League, March 16, 2022
News
- Seurynck Recognized as a Notable West Michigan Lawyer, Grand Rapids Business Journal, March 20, 2023
- Foster Swift Elects Officers for 2023, Ingham County Legal News, February 15, 2023
- Foster Swift Elects Three New Shareholders, Ingham County Legal News, January 30, 2023
- Grand Rapids Law Firm Welcomes Two Associates, Grand Rapids Legal News, November 14, 2022
- Foster Swift Attorneys Named 2023 Best Lawyers in America©, Best Lawyers in America, August 18, 2022
- Foster Swift Wins Victory for City in Marihuana Ordinance Appeal, Foster Swift Municipal Law News, July 18, 2022
- Thibodeau Selected to NBL "40 Under 40" List, The National Black Lawyers (NBL), April 12, 2022